Chapter 399


    Joe should bid on some items to give to Skr to improve their rtionship as a couple.


    da


    He subtly nodded. They had a mutual understanding. A nce and a nod were all it took to know


    each


    other’s intentions.


    Gioria was very pleased with Joe’s response. It was good that he was looking out for his wife.


    Joe might not have noticed, but his attitude toward Skr had changed recently. It wasn’t the same


    as the previously staged affection for Gloria’s sake.


    Now, there was a hint of genuine affection in his gaze towards Skr. How much was unclear, but


    there


    was some.


    Unaware of the silent exchange between Joe and Gloria, Skr focused on the auction items.


    J scoffed inwardly as she watched Skr’s serious attention to each auction piece. Despite her


    youth, she had a remarkableposure. Even if shecked skill, her calm demeanor set her apart


    from


    many girls.


    When a painting was presented, it sparked murmurs among the attendees.


    The artwork was by Vi.


    Vi was a well–known figure among the elite in Jipsburg. Many had once queued up, offering


    hefty for her art. A foreigner had bought this particr painting and now returned to auction.


    v sums


    Vi was renowned for her extensive astronomy and geography knowledge and ability to read


    people’s


    fate. She was also an expert in identifying and restoring antiques.


    Even the highly respected Alexander addressed her as a mentor.


    Vi’s mastery of painting was unparalleled, though she rarely created original works, mostly


    replicating


    and restoring ancient paintings.


    This piece was her only original work. It was previously sold at a high price, making it highly


    valuable.


    After all, nobody knew Vi’s current whereabouts, not even Gloria, who was once close to her.


    The auctioneer provided a detailed introduction to the painting, including its creation context.


    Gloria stared at the painting with teary eyes. It was andscape painting featuring a figure


    resembling


    Vi from the back.


    J eximed excitedly, “What a wonderful painting! If you don’t bid on it, Gloria, I will.”


    She knew this painting would be a great bragging point among friends, though she doubted she’d


    win against Gloria.


    Tears brimmed in Gloria’s eyes as she looked at the painting. She asked Skr, “Skye, is this


    Vi’s painting?”


    She had never heard of Vi painting a self–portrait andndscapes.


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    on years o


    She was skeptical despite rumors that someone had bought Vi’s


    However, this auction house in Jipsburg rarely dealt with fakes and had built a strong reputation for


    authenticity over


    the years.


    Skr confidently replied, “No, Grandma, this painting isn’t Vi’s work. She only ever replicated


    ancient paintings and never painted herself orndscapes.”


    Vi believed destiny should not be defied, having experienced too much in life. Therefore, she


    refrained from creating original works, only replicating others‘ art.


    “Not hers? Youngdy, you should watch your words. The staff here confirmed and there are even


    witnesses attesting this is Vi’s work,” J challenged, thinking she had caught Skr in a


    mistake.