The Runaway Groom

Chapter 100

Chapter 100 Harvey was provoking and bragging at Isaac, which left Irene feeling unusually guilty, though she had no idea why she felt that way.

Meanwhile, it turned out that Harvey had invited everyone rich and important to the art exhibition.

While it appeared to be a grand occasion, many artists who had some degree of reputation could put together something like that as well.

One should mention here that the works of anonymous artists tend not to receive admiration, let alone be bought at overpriced rates.

As such, since most of the art pieces on show had no signatures, someone asked, “Harvey, where did you find these paintings? There‘s no signature or anything...”

Harvey simply smiled. “Patience. You will soon understand the value of these pieces.”

T

“You had better not disappoint us. I would acknowledge the skill and aesthetic of the pieces, but if the artist is unknown, it will never be up to standard.”

Harvey kept smiling.

“Now that depends on...” He allowed his voice to trailed off as he turned toward Isaac. Isaac never looked at him, however, he was engrossed with the paintings. He was no patron of the arts, but he admired those paintings, because they seemed to speak straight to a person’s heart.

Once everyone arrived, Harvey took the stage, acting mysterious as he spoke, “I have two pieces as my piece de resistance–one will be put up for auction, and anyone may bid for it if you’re interested. The second piece, however, is the gem of this exhibition and not for sale.”

“Quit acting all mysterious!” someone snapped impatiently. “Show us already!” Harvey personally unveiled the painting, and after everyone spotted the simple ‘K‘ signature, and began to admire the painting. It was a portrait of a pregnant woman standing by the window. White curtains veiled half her visage, and she was wearing a gown over her swelling belly. Though her beauty was almost concealed, the silhouette was clear enough to show the motherly love in her eyes, which shone as brightly as the stars. One could not help being captivated. Isaac immediately recognized the person in the painting, because it was obviously Irene.

His knuckles clenched and soon eased this was his first time seeing her pregnant,

It certainly did not dull her beauty, but her air of tenderness was something he had never seen before

That was when Harvey said, “This painting is the work of a famous artist, but the lady portrayed makes it far more valuable. Also, this is the piece which is available for sale, and the Starting bid will be 40 million dollars.”

In fact, the portrait was the work of an artist he had hired to draw a portrait of Irene.

While she was under his custody, she would kill time by painting. That was when Harvey found out that she was as good a doctor as she was a painter.

It made him admire her more.

Hence, to have a keepsake of her pregnancy, he thought that he should draw her. He was no artist, however, and Irene could not draw herself. Even if photos offered a clear image, it lacked mood and aesthetics,

As such, he worked hard to earn Irene‘s approval, giving him permission to hire K to paint a portrait of her pregnancy. Irene agreed to it, because she was eager to save something of her pregnancy for the

sake of posterity.

Back at the present, the crowd was in an uproar. Kwas a famous artist, but his works never sold upward of a million. Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

When it was obvious that Harvey was scalping, someone snapped immediately, “Did you lose your mind, Harvey? Do you really want money so badly you‘d sell the painting of some unknown woman for 40 million dollars?!”

Harvey was perfectly confident and shot back, “Others would know to appreciate fine art and its value, even if you don‘t.” As he spoke, he was darting glances at Isaac. “Are you interested, Mr. Jefferson? If you‘re not, I don‘t mind keeping it beside my bed and admiring it every night before I sleep.” Irene frowned. She could feel the lust in Harvey‘s words!

“I‘ll buy it,” Isaac said.

“I expected nothing less from someone as generous as you, Mr. Jefferson. Still, this is an auction, and the highest bidder wins!” Harvey laughed. After losing so much to Isaac, he needed to get something back, at least. “41 million dollars,” someone shouted just then Naturally, Harvey had arranged for that person to do so ahead of time!