Chapter 440: Too Early

Xavier’s claim about the painting's value was certainly an exaggeration. Yet, the price at auction often depends on the seller's clout. With the Evans family's influence, it was indeed possible for them to sell this Piet Mondrian's 'Gray Tree' at a premium. The painting's real value might be five billion at most, but by monopolizing the market and restricting the circulation of Mondrian's works, the value of 'Gray Tree' could at least double tenfold. With the right business strategy, a hundred billion wasn't beyond the realm of possibility. Gary knew Xavier was puffing up the price, but he was thrilled all the same. When Gary thanked Leo for selling the painting for nine billion, Leo graciously accepted the praise, happy to play along with Gary's delight. After all, Leo was an expert and well aware of the 'Gray Tree's actual value; he knew that Xavier’s hundred-billion figure was just to indulge Gary. When Gary flaunted his acquisition in front of Bella, attributing a hundred-billion-d