Chapter 553


    Manuel huffed, “This is on you guys, you can’t just dump this on me. I came for the painting, and now


    you’ve made me aughing stock. You owe me a decentpensation. You did say ‘tenfold


    Beatrice stormed up, “You nouveau riche, are you just looking to stir up trouble?”


    Manuel hated beingbeled as a nouveau riche, and Beatrice’s words hit him like fuel to the fire.


    “All of you, making money under the guise of charity, I’m gonna sue.”


    Laura could feel things spiraling out of control, especially with all the media around.


    They were supposed to be witnesses, not the ones making headlines.


    Then, out of the blue, Jared stepped up.


    Jared said, “The value of a painting lies in how people perceive it. Although this one isn’t an original,


    it’s still a masterpiece. And let’s not forget, none of the experts here could tell it was a fake. It’s not Ms.


    Beatrice’s fault that she got duped. I’m willing to fork out $21 million for it in support of the charity.


    Anyone willing to top that?”


    Every time Jared spoke, he caused an uproar.


    This time, he was clearly defending Ms. Beatrice.


    Even knowing the painting was a fake, he was still willing to shell out big bucks for it. That way, the


    painting is auctioned off like normal, and it wouldn’t be a disaster.


    As long as Jared bought the painting, Manuel had no reason to demandpensation here, unless he


    bid higher andpeted with Jared.


    But if he did that, he would be tantly stirring the pot for his own gain.


    His reputation would take a major hit.


    Not to mention, Jared was the CEO of the Tim Group. His wealth was unparalleled.


    Even if it cost 20 million, or even 200 million, he wouldn’t bat an eyelid.


    Manuel was well aware of that.


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    Now that Jared had stepped in, he didn’t dare to confront him and left after muttering a few empty


    words.


    The situation seemed to have taken another unexpected turn.


    Compared to the shocking news of the fake painting, Jared’s “heroic rescue” story was more


    captivating.


    Most importantly, the fake was exposed by Jared’s ex–wife, but in the end, Jared was the one who


    bought it for a hefty price.


    Wasn’t that a p in his ex–wife’s face? And everyone got the message.


    Between his new me and old me, Jared chose the new.


    It seemed that Ms. Beatrice and Jared’s rtionship was pretty much set in stone.


    Agnes watched it all unfold on the side. The moment Jared stepped in, she was reminded of the time


    he spent a fortune on Kingdom Heart to avoid


    criticism.


    He was using the same old trick.


    Agnes couldn’t help but chuckle.


    Jared, Beatrice, could this be more ironic?


    Even though Agnes felt Jared’s actions had nothing to do with her, she couldn’t help but feel


    ufortable.


    Beatrice, on the other hand, was different.


    She never thought Jared would spend such arge sum of money for her.


    It was such a pleasant surprise.


    Had her years of dedication and sincerity finally paid off?


    But why did Jared always look at Agnes? It seemed like he was only interested in Agnes‘ reaction.