Chapter 59
Faith Curtis, a refined lady skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, had demonstrated remarkable talent in classical line art and illustration from a young age. Modifying her tone slightly, she said, “I used to admire this artist, but I know what you're planning. Don't do anything rash. Spending so much money on this painting is unnecessary, especially since we don't have it.”
Her real concern was preventing Kyle's involvement, particularly since Belle was bidding. Kyle's participation would undoubtedly provoke Belle, escalating the tension and potentially causing trouble with the Rivas family—something Faith wanted to avoid. “Do you like it?” Kyle asked with a light smile. For him, bidding was straightforward: whoever had the money won. There was no need to overthink it.
“Actually, I already had a few of this artist’s works,” she began, but Kyle interrupted.
“Thirty-two million dollars!” Kyle raised his hand.
Instantly, all eyes turned to him. Many assumed the bidding war would end at $31 million. The auctioneer was about to bring down the hammer when Kyle's late bid disrupted the climax. This sudden move led everyone to wonder if he was deliberately targeting Belle. To make matters worse, Kyle was unfamiliar to most attendees, making his intentions even harder to discern.
Belle's expression darkened. “Damn it! He’s just here to stir up trouble—how infuriating!”
Chloe nodded. “He’s just being a nuisance. Does he even have the money? Even if Faith gave him everything, it wouldn't be enough. He’s asking for trouble.”
“He’s probably relying on his connection with Mr. Rivas,” Belle fumed. “That way, even if he messes things up, Mr. Rivas will clean up the mess. He’s doing this on purpose!”
Despite her anger, Belle raised her paddle. “Thirty-five million dollars.” She was determined to see how far Kyle would go.
After placing her bid, Belle glared at Kyle with disdain. “Go on, keep bidding. If you back out now, you’re a coward.”
Kyle remained unfazed by her glare.
Meanwhile, Elisa, at the main table, whispered to Mike, “Mr. Archer seems interested in that painting. Why don’t we just gift it to him?”
Mike shook his head quickly. “No, absolutely not. That would hurt his pride, and I doubt he’d accept. Besides, it would invite unnecessary gossip about the Rivas family, and all attention would shift to Mr. Archer. If he’s unhappy, we’ll be in a tough spot.”
Elisa nodded thoughtfully. “Then make arrangements. Whatever Mr. Archer bids, let him have it, and we’ll cover the cost. It’s an honor he’s here.”
“It’s a good plan,” Mike agreed.
Neither of them knew anything about Kyle’s background or his connection to Belle. To them, their relationship seemed ambiguous and complex, piquing Elisa’s curiosity.
Belle, visibly upset, accused Kyle, “This painting is valuable, but not that much. Are you doing this to target me?”
Kyle responded bluntly, “Why would I target you? Bidding is based on one’s ability. If you don’t have enough money, don’t bid. Even if you outbid me by a dollar, it’s yours. Why complain? And for the record, this painting is worth more than $30 million. Just because you can’t see its value doesn’t mean I can’t.”
Even Faith was surprised. “Kyle, where… where did you learn so much about art? I remember you dabbling in drawing, but…”
While she considered these hobbies, Kyle smiled faintly. “The prison I was in wasn’t average; it housed rare talents and reclusive masters. I learned quite a bit from them—not enough to be a master, but enough to understand the essence of works like this.”
His tone was calm and matter-of-fact, though his belief was another story. “To be honest, this painting was made with great passion. The artist created it in memory of his late lover. After finishing this piece, its value is immeasurable.”
Hearing this, Faith was astonished.