Chapter 64

Kyle's simple, reasonable statement drew immediate murmurs from the crowd. His lack of immediate payment raised suspicions. Why wait until now? Why wait to be asked?

Belle's lace-edged expression was full of ridicule. She implied Kyle was making trouble and inflating the price. Her unspoken message was, "Do whatever you want with him."

Enzo's expression stiffened. He didn't know what to say. Demanding immediate payment from Kyle would defy Elisa's orders, and everyone's eyes were already on them.

Faith quickly whispered, "Kyle, I don't want the painting anymore. Let's withdraw."

But backing down wasn't an option. With everyone watching, Kyle's failure to produce the money would be a public humiliation. Withdrawal would confirm his lack of funds and deliberate attempt to cause trouble for Belle.

Kyle, however, remained unfazed. "Whether or not I have the money, the painting is yours. No one else can take it. I already said I'll have someone transfer the funds later."

Enzo, beside him, was inwardly furious. If Kyle lacked the funds, he should admit it instead of feigning calm. Pretending the painting was Faith's regardless of payment clearly relied on the Rivas family covering for him. Shameless!

The Rivas family was being played. If not for fear of Elisa's anger, Enzo would have mocked him openly.

Suppressing his frustration, Enzo leaned closer and whispered, "Mr. Archer, how about this? I'll say I made a mistake, and you've already paid."

But no one would believe that. It would embarrass Kyle and disgrace the Rivas family. How could there be confusion over payment?

Kyle looked speechless. Was Enzo not hearing him? He'd already said he would transfer the money. What was he still doing there?

Meanwhile, Belle stood, her face smug. "Mr. Rivas, what are you whispering? Something we can't hear? Could it be he doesn't have the money? He seemed so confident bidding; I was almost scared. There's no way he doesn't have the money, right? That's impossible. A poor man couldn't act that convincingly."

Belle reveled in Kyle and Faith's humiliation. It was the sweetest revenge.

Kyle frowned, and without comment, texted Julian to transfer the money.

But Faith stood and said, "Mr. Rivas, please take the painting back. I don't want it anymore. Sorry for the trouble."

Faith didn't want Kyle to spend so much money. She doubted he had the cash; even if he did, there was no need to waste it for appearances. His intentions were enough.

But Kyle's expression darkened, and Enzo hesitated, unsure whether to take back the painting.

"Faith," Kyle said coldly, "I have the money. I'll transfer it now. There's no need to back out and let people think I can't afford it."

Enzo nodded slightly but whispered, "Mr. Archer, if it's inconvenient, there's no need to complicate this. Whether there's money or not doesn't matter. Elisa already told me what to do."

Enzo simply didn't believe a man in such a cheap shirt could afford $60 million. Spending that to impress a woman? Impossible. He was certain Kyle was stalling.

But Kyle shook his head. "I said there's no need. The money will arrive soon. Just add another auction item."

Enzo considered that Kyle might auction something else to pay. But Enzo saw nothing—no watch, necklace, or rings. Even if he had something, it wouldn't cover $60 million.

Then Enzo's gaze fell on Faith, and his eyes lit up. The Snow White Lover jewelry set. Enzo didn't know its exact value, but it was clearly expensive.

Enzo immediately leaned in and said softly, "Mr. Archer, are you planning to auction Ms. Curtis's jewelry?"