Chapter 393

The painting was simple and tasteful, with a bold, spirited vibe and confident brushwork. It really matched the taste of the older couple Birgitte had in mind.

Birgitte didn’t know much about art, but she instantly fell for the vibe it gave off the moment she laid eyes on it.

“Well, well, isn’t that Ms. Cherniavsky? What a coincidence!” Just as Birgitte was about to step closer to the painting, a rather shrill female voice suddenly rang out.

Aubree turned at the sound. The woman looked familiar. Aubree was pretty sure she’d seen her hosting on TV before.

The girl with her looked even more familiar. Aubree realized that she was Elizabeth Lawson.

Elizabeth was a bit taken aback to see Aubree, but her face quickly turned frosty, like she was seeing her arch-nemesis.

She’d had a thing for Bowen for years. Just to be worthy of him, she’d forced herself to study finance and management, took over the family business, and became the kind of female CEO everyone praised.

Elizabeth clenched her fists. ‘Still, why won’t Bowen even spare me a glance? Why is he with that snot-nosed little brat instead?’

Birgitte recognized the voice instantly. She thought, ‘How did I even run into her here in Rithol City? Well, she is originally from here, after all. She just works over in Südlichen Strand now.’

“Here to buy a painting? Seriously, does Ms. Cherniavsky even know anything about art? You are just some farm girl who lucked out and–" The woman gave Birgitte a mocking once-over, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Don’t go tainting this place, or that painting.”

Elizabeth scolded her, “Grace, what are you talking about? Ms. Cherniavsky’s status speaks for itself. Even if she doesn’t know art, Ms. Miller actually studied fine arts.”

Grace Lawson replied, “Oh please, Elizabeth, you know that she studied fine arts. There are tons of art students out there, but how many actually know anything?

“Some people think just because they know a little, they’re suddenly experts. Isn’t that shameless? She just got lucky, and now she thinks she can be a big-shot businesswoman in Rithol City like you?”

Aubree could tell right away these two came to stir up trouble. Grace was Elizabeth’s cousin. The worst part was that Elizabeth and Aubree didn’t get along with each other.

Birgitte didn’t even bother with Grace. She just pointed at the painting and asked the staff member nearby, “I’d like to buy this one.”

The staff member, not wanting to get on anyone’s bad side, quickly replied, “Of course, please wait a moment.”

She checked the price and said, “This painting is listed at 600 thousand dollars.”

600 thousand dollars was definitely within Birgitte’s budget. “Alright, I’ll take it,” she said.

Just as the staff member was about to take the painting down, Grace suddenly cut in, stepped forward, and took the painting. “Not bad. Elizabeth, let’s go with this one. We can give it to Ricky for his birthday next month.”

The staff member looked a bit awkward. “Well…”

“Am I not allowed to buy it? Whoever pays more gets it, right? I’ll add another 60 thousand dollars. Sell it to me.”

Elizabeth put on a polite smile. “Ms. Miller, my cousin is a bit spoiled. She’s buying this painting as a gift for an elder. Would you mind letting us have it?”

Elizabeth felt that Aubree should at least compromise somewhat.

However, Aubree didn’t even glance at them. She just pulled out her card and handed it to the staff member. “Go ahead and swipe the card.”

She said, “Ms. Lawson, there is a saying–first come, first served. And another one–a decent person doesn’t snatch what others have their eye on. But if you’re not that kind of person, just pretend I never said anything.”

5:00 PM

Stan had personally vouched for Aubree. The staff had been told to pay special attention to her. Plus, Aubree and Birgitte had clearly arrived first. After a moment’s hesitation, the staff member accepted her card.

Grace felt completely powerless and humiliated. The frustration made her snap on the spot.

She said, “Birgitte, quit pretending! You’re just some slut who’s been with an old man. What’s with that elegant act? Hugo only feels sorry for you. Do you really think you’re all that?”