The First Heir

Chapter 35

“Of course,” answered Aiden proudly.

Russell already knew that Aiden would say this. Hiding a smile, he continued to ask, “May I know which friend did Mr. Grant buy this from?”

Upon hearing this, the delight on Aiden’s face grew. Could Russell want to be acquainted with that friend of his? This was an excellent opportunity for him to befriend Russell. “President Field, his name is David White, the owner of an antique market. He’s quite famous. I can call him over this instant.” Aiden smiled.

“There’s no need.” Russell waved then took out his phone to say smilingly, “I’m acquainted with David White.”

Of course, Russell knew David White. The man was a famous antique market owner, but at the same time, he had a notorious reputation within the community. The reason was that David was an expert at selling counterfeits and forged pieces. He often sold off his fakes to people who did not know better, and it looked like David had tricked Aiden.

However, Russell did not feel an ounce of pity for him. He dialed the number and said faintly, “Mr. White, how are you doing?”

On the other end of the call came the steady voice of a middle-aged man. With the typical tone of a dishonest trader and a voice deliberately pitched high, the man said, “Oh my, why did Master Russell call me up so suddenly today? Are you coming to take a look at some goods?”

David was currently at his antique market shop, sitting on his vintage wooden armchair as he sipped on some tea.

“Stop with all that nonsense and make a trip over to Civil Gallery,” Russell said rudely then hung up.

David was not infuriated by this. Instead, he quickly started up his Porsche and drove straight to Civil Gallery.

Aiden was still smiling in an attempt to flatter Russell as he said, “Master Russell knows Mr. White too? What a coincidence!”

Russell did not say anything but sat down at a coffee table in a corner quietly, waiting for David. He looked at Aiden like he was staring at an idiot while the boy continued to praise him.

Everyone else, too, was standing beside Russell, waiting quietly. Although they did not know why Russell had called David over, it must have something to do with the painting.

Suddenly, a phone rang. In a corner, Philip received a text message from Russell, reading: Mr. Clarke, please don’t worry. I’ll teach this Aiden a lesson on your behalf. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Philip looked up to see Russell smiling at him. After giving it a little thought, Philip decided not to stop him.

Aiden, who had caught sight of this, was instantly annoyed. He went to Russell’s side and gossiped, “President Field, you shouldn’t waste your time on that Philip.”

Russell’s expression darkened, but he did not say anything. On the inside, he had already jotted Aiden’s name down in his list of hated things.

In less than ten minutes, a short, plump man in a suit named David White, appeared at the gallery. This guy’s face was glowing as he smiled at everyone he saw, looking like the god of laughter. “Master Russell, I’m here. Do you need me for anything urgent?” David hastened over to Russell in big steps and a flattering smile.

When Aiden saw David, he smiled and nodded at the man as a form of greeting. It was thanks to David’s painting that he could earn such high praise today.

Russell glanced at David then said faintly, “Well done, David. Your business seems to be going well.”

David was stunned. He bowed and answered, “That’s not true. It’s all thanks to Master Russell’s patronage.”

“Hmph!” Suddenly, there was a loud thud! Russell had slammed a hand onto the coffee table and pointed to the painting on the wall with great fury. “David White, is that the painting you sold?”

This sudden confrontation made David’s whole body shudder as sweat fell like raindrops.

The bystanders, too, were stunned at this, unable to understand what was going on.

David was naturally afraid because it was Russell who supported him in his earlier days that he had managed to make something of himself today. After his business had grown, he did not stay in contact with Russell as often, and they were considered to have parted ways.

However, David never dared to behave rashly in front of Russell. He quickly turned to look at the glass display, and in an instant, his knees went weak! It was the Companionship at the Spring Mountains!

Sh*t! He could no longer conceal the fact that he had sold a counterfeit. More importantly, the real painting of Companionship at the Spring Mountains had always belonged to Russell, so the one hanging there must be a fake!