Chapter 72
Benjamin let out a hearty laugh. “Nathan, do you really think all these guests would be here without my backing? How many VIPs do you think would bother to show up at this shabby gathering otherwise?”
Nathan frowned, “What’s so shabby about it?”
Benjamin waved his hand around, “Look at these old paintings and decorations. They’re practically worthless. If it weren’t for the guests I brought to liven up your birthday party, it would be no different from a backyard barbecue.”
Nathan couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ignorance is bliss, isn’t it?”
He gave Benjamin a look of disdain. “Do you have any clue how much this painting in front of you is worth?”
When Benjamin looked completely lost,
Nathan continued, “This is Wasserschlangen II’s Gustav Klimt. It sold for billions at an auction a few years back. And it’s the cheapest Pece in the room.
Go on, take a wild guess–who owns this masterpiece?”
Benjamin was left speechless.
“That’s impossible. How could you possibly get your hands on such an expensive painting?”
Nathan glanced over at Cameron and Greta, his voice icy, “So, do me a favor and show your troublemaking friends the door. They’re not welcome here.”
Cameron and Greta’s faces turned an unflattering shade of red.
Benjamin quickly tried to calm Cameron. “They’re important guests I invited…”
Nathan didn’t even acknowledge him. Instead, he walked over to Nellie, his icy demeanor melting away instantly, “Thank you for traveling all this way to celebrate my birthday.”
Nellie cleared her throat, her voice a bit raspy. “Now I can finally relax.”
Nathan was no longer the helpless young man running for his life two years ago. He had grown stronger, and the Rowland family’s little devil probably couldn’t overshadow him anymore.
However, Nellie couldn’t shake a sense of loss.
In the future, Nathan would be a force to be reckoned with.
Rumor had it he was ruthless, indifferent to family ties, and a tyrant in the business world.
She feared their paths were diverging.
They might soon find themselves on different journeys.
Perhaps their bond was meant to end here.
Cameron eyed Hyacinthus with suspicion. Her voice struck a chord, reminding him of his wife, Nellie.
“Hyacinthus, could we have a word?”
Cameron tried to make small talk to probe Nellie, but Hyacinthus was too aloof, not even sparing him a glance. She brushed him off. speaking only with Nathan.
“Nathan, I heard you started a luxury brand and opened some boutiques. How’s business going?”
Nathan sighed dramatically, “Cameron’s stores are right across from mine, and he’s got his devoted sweetheart backing him up. Meanwhile, I’m flying solo. Plus, I’m a rookie in this business. If I don’t get some strong talent on my team soon, I might have to close up shop.”
Cameron was taken aback.
Even though Nathan’s company was a rival, he had never managed to outdo Nathan.
Why was he playing the victim now?
Nellie felt a pang of sympathy for Nathan. She leaned in closer and whispered, “Nathan, how about I take on the role of your chief designer?”
Nathan’s excitement was palpable. “Well, how do you want your office styled? I’ll get someone to start the renovations tomorrow.”
