As soon as Derrick said that, everyone in the main hall was stunned.They were very rich, but they didn't know much about collections.They weren't as knowledgeable in paintings as Derrick was. After all, Derrick was a master of paintings.If the painting indeed cost more than 20 million dollars, it would be too great a gift!Even Austin was startled for a moment. Ezra was simply too generous. Austin couldn't believe that the gift Ezra had handed to him to give to others would be worth more than 20 million dollars!He immediately smiled. "Mr. Stephens, even though I'm not as successful as you and the others are, I can still afford to give a gift worth 20 million.""You're young, but you're quite outspoken!"Derrick frowned. At that moment, there was a ferocious expression on his reserved features.Cecily's gaze flickered. When she thought of Austin's background, 20 million dollars was indeed a piece of cake.She was about to speak up and defend Austin when Derrick suddenly sne
As soon as Edward said that, time seemed to be frozen in the main hall.Timothy and Samuel had looks of terror on their faces. Beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads.Derrick looked arrogant as he glared at Austin in disdain.Cecily felt her vision turning black. She couldn't help but shudder.Her parents were pissed, and Austin's first meeting with her parents was completely ruined!What would happen between her and Austin in the future?Cecily was hesitant as she slowly said, "Austin…"She had just spoken up when Austin suddenly smiled. He had a radiant smile on his face.However, he was suppressing the intense emotions in his heart.Ezra was the one who gave Austin the painting, and Austin was very sure that Ezra wouldn't try to deceive anyone with a fake painting.Even if this painting was meant for Timothy in the first place, it couldn't have been fake.Austin was more upset about Derrick's attitude. He only gave the painting a quick glance before claiming that the
They were all old friends and prominent figures in their own fields. So, of course, they had quite the temper.They would usually chat and laugh, but if they really start a fight with each other, no one would give in!Samuel's eyes were red as he shouted through gritted teeth, "You're a mule who can't appreciate kindness. Would I be afraid of you if we got into a fight? If I lose, I can just heal myself, but if you lose, you have to beg me to heal you!""You…" Derrick's face turned red as fury raged within him.In an instant, it felt like they were on the verge of a brawl.Edward had a shocked look on his face, and he couldn't understand what was going on.Why were his old friends suddenly fighting each other?Just then, Timothy stepped forward. He looked at Derrick with the same look of exasperation. "Derrick, you've made a real mistake this time. Samuel was right to have scolded you!""Timothy, why are you…"Derrick's expression froze, and he looked extremely bewildered.Bu
Derrick shuddered. There was a complicated expression on his face.He was a master of paintings, and he was quite influential in his field.He had his pride and dignity.Even when he was overseas, he was respected and admired by all.At his level, he rarely had to apologize anymore, let alone to someone younger than him.When Samuel saw Derrick standing there, unmoving, he was extremely furious. "You stubborn mule, are you doubting me or Timothy?"Timothy sighed. "Just go. It won't be embarrassing."Austin was the biological son of the head of the Campbell family, who would ignore the family rules for Austin's sake. Of course, he was qualified to receive a humble apology from a master of paintings.Derrick's gaze suddenly darkened.He could ignore Samuel's advice, but now, even Timothy was saying the same thing.No matter how stubborn he was, he knew then that something was off!Taking a deep breath, Derrick strode outside."Dad, Mom, I'll get Austin to come back!"Cecily
Rachel said angrily, "Are you going to just sit by and watch as Cecily gets caught in the middle? You're her dad, so why can't you care about your daughter at crucial times like this?""Alright." Edward sighed, half-agreeing to it. He said slowly, "But if we spend a few more days here, we'll have to delay our meeting with the Campbells again."When he said that, his expression was filled with exasperation."I know that you want to borrow the influence of the Campbells so that you can achieve greater things. I agree with you, and I support you wholeheartedly."Rachel's voice was gentle, and her gaze was filled with tenderness. "But Edward, Cecily is our only daughter. You've already achieved many things other people can only dream of. It'll be fine as long as we have enough money to spare. Cecily's happiness is our biggest goal right now!""But…" Edward tried to argue."I don't want Cecily to miss a wonderful relationship just because of our mistakes. Setting aside Austin's backgr
After returning to Heavensgate Residence, Austin received two calls, one after the other. The calls were from Samuel and Timothy respectively.The two were old friends of Derrick's, and they knew that if Austin wanted to hold Derrick accountable for what happened tonight, he would definitely ruin the rest of Derrick's life. So, they wanted to ask Austin to go easy on Derrick.After Austin expressed clearly that he wouldn't hold it against Derrick, the two finally relaxed a little.Finally, things calmed down after Austin hung up.Austin lay on the bed, feeling a little sad.If it weren't because of his identity as a son of the Campbells, the real painting just now might actually become a fake because of Derrick's claims. Austin wouldn't be able to change his mind.Austin hated that backgrounds carried so much meaning, but he was also helpless to do anything about it.If Derrick was aware of Austin's identity from the start, if Austin brought a fake painting over, Derrick would p
Aldus' anxious and worried voice rang in Austin's ears, immediately pulling Austin back to reality."Alright, got it."Suppressing his rage with all his might, Austin ended the call with Matt.Austin gripped his phone tightly with his right hand, refusing to lower it. His joints made cracking sounds, and the veins on the back of his hands bulged.Waves of fury raged in his eyes.Even Aldus felt intimidated when he saw Austin's calm fury."The last revenge, huh? They pulled the rug just like that!" Austin spoke through gritted teeth. He was smiling despite his anger.After the momentary shock and anger, Austin soon realized what was going on.Wirtucon was a company under the Campbells. Back then, it was Ezra who had arranged for the news to be announced so that the tables would be turned for the west city redevelopment project. He had taken advantage of Wirtucon's large scale to increase the housing prices in the west city.It wasn't an exaggeration to claim that as long as Wir
Dahlia looked at the silent Ezra.Even though Ezra didn't reply, his expression had given Dahlia her answer.Dahlia's eyes reddened a little.She had seen how hard her son worked in the past few years.Austin started out as a fresh graduate and worked hard enough that he became the vice president in three years. It was proof enough of his capabilities.If Austin had seen the light but had to return to the darkness, even as Austin's mother, Dahlia didn't dare to imagine how much this would hurt Austin.As Austin's mother, of course, she cared about him a lot.In her panic, Dahlia suddenly came up with a bold idea.She said in a low voice, "Mr. Lockwood, I'd like to return to the Campbell family!""You shouldn't, Madam Emerson!" Ezra's expression shifted.If Dahlia returned to the Campbell family at that moment, it would definitely make things worse.Ezra hastily explained, "Madam Emerson, did you forget about what happened back then?"Dahlia froze. Then, she lifted her hand