4#04

4

As of now, I haven't received any information about that collector parting with this artwork. Rossa clearly didn't bother to verify before presenting a counterfeit. How absurd.

I faced Rossa with a pleasant expression.

"I'm curious, Miss Rossa, from which collector did you acquire this painting?"

Rossa's gaze shifted uneasily.

"Well... the collector values privacy and explicitly requested that I keep their identity confidential. My apologies."

"No need to apologize. I actually have knowledge of the collector's identity. I had a conversation with him over tea just yesterday and inquired about purchasing this very painting. He firmly stated he'd never sell it during his lifetime. I'm intrigued—when exactly did you manage to change his mind? Should I... perhaps give him a quick ring to verify?"

James Ross, with his sharp wit and charming demeanor, didn't hold back. His statement left Rossa completely disconcerted.

"That... that won't be necessary... Since I've already obtained it, naturally—"

James Ross wasn't about to let her off easily. He dialed the collector's number in front of everyone and activated the speakerphone.

"Hello, Mr. Robert? It's James Ross here. You're quite something, aren't you? Didn't you just tell me last night you wouldn't part with the Tranquility of Bamboo and Feathered Pair painting? How is it now in the possession of a woman named Rossa?"

"What? Nonsense, James! That painting is still displayed in my studio. This Miss Rossa must be trying to pass off a fake!"

Ending the call, James Ross gave Rossa a sly grin, gestured with his hands, and remained silent.

My mother-in-law quickly grasped the situation, immediately returning the painting to Rossa with obvious disapproval.

"Whether it's expensive or cheap doesn't matter to me. But I absolutely can't stand counterfeit items being passed off as genuine. It's an affront to art!"

Rossa's face turned crimson. She retreated to her seat, thoroughly embarrassed.

William, ever the protector of his mistress, awkwardly patted her shoulder in an attempt to console her. Their undefined relationship meant even such a simple gesture was all they dared in front of my mother-in-law. How pitiful.

At that moment, my mother-in-law turned to me with hopeful eyes and grasped my hand warmly.

"Didn't you mention you had prepared a gift I definitely don't possess? Come on, let me see it!"

I retrieved the Heart of Asia Emerald Bead I had carefully chosen for her and gently placed it in her palm.

As expected, her eyes widened in astonishment as she gazed at the bead, disbelief evident on her face.

"How can this be? There are only two in existence. One belongs to the renowned Monastery in Asia, its value already surpassing one billion. The other has been missing for years, rumored to be worth over five billion dollars. Could this truly be it?"

"Indeed, it is. I spent an entire year searching across the world, just to prepare this birthday present for you!"

My mother-in-law couldn't stop admiring it, turning it over repeatedly before finally asking me to help her wear it around her neck. Her delight was unmistakable.

"Oh, Dana, you always understand me so well. I've been searching for this bead for years without any luck. You must have spent a fortune on it, didn't you?"

"Money is insignificant, as long as you're happy with it, Mom. Of course, the most important thing is that this bead and you were meant for each other!"

My mother-in-law and I conversed cheerfully, while nearby, Rossa was consumed with jealousy. In a bitter tone, she scoffed.

"The only other bead in existence is the sacred treasure of the Biggest Asian Monastery. How could you possibly have acquired it? Who would believe such a tale!"

That single remark ignited my anger. I turned to her, my voice cold.

"And what if it is genuine?"

"Hmph! If it's real, I'll kneel down and bark like a dog!"

Without hesitation, I played a video on my phone. It showed me personally visiting one of the biggest Monasteries in Asia, offering prayers and incense for my mother-in-law, being gifted the Heart of Asia Emerald Bead and donating five billion for the temple's maintenance.

I gazed at Rossa with a subtle grin.

"Miss Rossa, it's now your turn to imitate a dog's bark."