“You’re right Dad.” Javier and Sophia could only agree with Newton with apologetic smiles.


    Tam so happy with this gift Where’s Lauren? I want to give her a hug!” Newton beamed.


    “Ms. Lauren says she won’t join us because she’s sick. She’ll meet you in personter,” Ben reported.


    S


    tarted a bidding war with me and made me buy the painting. How could you do this to me?”


    Jasper looked glum as he shot icy res at Alyssa.


    “I made you buy it? When did I do that? Alyssa’s eyes glimmered, looking as though she was in shock.


    Jonah was the first to stand up for Alyssa. He snickered. “Ms. Gardner, the auction is open to the


    public. It was a fair game, Alice could not have forced you to buy the painting against your will. Don’t


    you think it was your personal decision?”


    “She knew I wanted the painting. That’s why she started the bidding war with me. Whenever I raised


    my paddle, she’d follow suit. This continued until the price was 900 thousand from the starting price of


    100 thousand.


    “She suddenly gave up after I bid a million for the painting. Wasn’t she misleading me into buying a


    counterfeit at a high price? Liana.


    igh, that child — Newtonmented. “Ben, frame the painting and put it up in my study. That way, I can


    look at it whenever I feel like it.”


    Ben nodded and carefully put the painting away. Betty was wordless with anger when she observed


    Newton’s interest and care for Lauren’s gift.


    Betty thought that Lauren, who never had much allowance, might humiliate herself by purchasing a


    miserly gift. To her dismay, Lauren decided to be creative by presenting a handmade gift.


    In the end, the vase that Betty splurged hundreds of thousands on was overshadowed by a shabby


    painting of Lauren’s!


    “Oh Lauren just wait and see. You’re dead meat!” Betty thought.


    On the other hand, Liana was pacing the corridor. She had sent someone for Sophia. Sophia showed


    up, arms crossed on her chest and looking sulien.


    “Aunt Sophia, what do we do?” Liana almost tore her hair out. “Our little trick does not change


    Grandpa’s perception of Alice. Not only that, they’ve gotten closer because of it!”


    “That was unexpected. The older he gets, the weirder he acts. He’s ridiculous.” Sophia squinted her


    eyes dangerously and whispered, “Lia, It looks like it’s time to put n B in action today.”


    “Right now?” Liana gritted her teeth with a malicious gleam in her eyes.


    “No. We need to wait.” Sophia patted Liana on the shoulder and smirked.“Another VIP is showing up


    soon. I have a way to make Alice the brunt of jokes and ruin her reputation!”


    More gifts were presented to Newton. The Georgian–era drinkware that Jasper bought for Newton was


    the event’s climax. Friends of Newton, who were antique experts, were eager to check out the beauty


    of the antique drinkware.


    Worried that the old fellows might break the valuable gift, Newton hugged the box tightly and pouted.


    “No one’s touching the gift from my grandson.”


    Everyone guffawed at his antics, including Alyssa, who covered her mouth and chuckled.


    “Grandpa this drinkware was donated by Mrs. Taylor of the KS Group to the charity auction. I bid for it


    as it was a rare item. I’m d that you like it” Jasper felt obliged to exin the gift’s background


    because Jonah was also at the event.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    “Oh! This must be one of the items in Mr. Taylor’s personal collection. He’s the top collector in Sna


    City when ites to antiques.” Newton sighed as he caressed the box.


    “Dad would love it if he heard that you treasure an item from his collection,” Jonah chimed in warmly.


    Jonah was a natural peacemaker, for he was able to graciously resolve any conflict with his calm


    composure and humble attitude.


    “Grandpa, here’s my gift for you!” Liana butted in with a cloying voice. Everyone turned to her with a


    little disdain. Those who were disceming could tell that Newton disliked her. Her road to marrying


    Jasper might not be smooth sailing.


    “Dad. Lia spent a lot of effort on your gift. After she heard you liked old paintings, she bid on a


    Georgian–era painting for your birthday.” Javier attempted to pave the way for Liana, especially


    because she was Sophia’s niece.


    “Oh? A genuine painting from the Georgian era?” Newton’s eyes lit up in excitement.


    Liana had someone bring in the framed painting in white gloves. The staff carefully disyed the


    painting, which the antique collectors crowded around for a look at.