Chapter 692: When Paths Cross

Upon hearing Old Master Wallace’s words, Cecilia Vaughn wasn’t actually moved.

Although she used the excuse of art exchange to visit Old Master Wallace, she wasn’t really interested in his collections!

Seeing that she was about to return empty-handed, Cecilia Vaughn could only tug on Adrian Law’s sleeve, smiling politely.

"Alright, Adrian and I do like these paintings. Is that art gallery all works by yet-to-be-famous artists?"

"Not entirely, there are also long-famous ones. It depends on your luck."

Old Master Wallace thought Cecilia Vaughn was serious, so he enthusiastically made recommendations to her.

"Actually, Miss Vaughn, you don’t have to be fixated on whether the artist is long-famous. After all, you should know that even Vincent van Gogh only became famous posthumously. Sometimes I also go there to strike gold, buying pieces I fancy, regardless of the artist’s fame."

"I wonder if Miss Vaughn believes in the saying about hidden talents. Sometimes, whether for fame or other things, a bit of luck is needed, and your skills may not be much inferior to others."

...

Hearing Old Master Wallace’s earnest words of comfort, Cecilia Vaughn felt a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Was it a mistake to use the excuse of being unable to produce her own works to visit Old Master Wallace?

Now it seemed she made him genuinely think her inspiration had run dry.

Deceiving others didn’t feel great, but Cecilia Vaughn knew the case was more important, and she couldn’t disclose all the details.

"Thank you, Old Master, I’ll visit again when I have the time to see you and your collection."

"Alright, alright. My health isn’t as robust as it used to be in recent years; most of the time I’m recuperating in another estate. If you and Young Master Law have time, you are always welcome."

Adrian Law gracefully placed his arm around Cecilia Vaughn’s waist and then nodded slightly towards Old Master Wallace.

"Thank you for your hospitality today."

Adrian Law thought for half a second and then returned to his car, retrieving a Patek Philippe men’s watch initially intended as a gift for Zion Prescott.

"I wonder if you have an interest in watches, Old Master. Here’s a small token of appreciation, and I hope you would accept it with a smile."

Adrian Law always felt that Old Master Wallace wasn’t as simple and harmless as he appeared.

Of course, by simple and harmless, he didn’t mean the old man’s character. After all, to reach such heights in Vessaria as an overseas Chinese, Old Master Wallace must be a man with profound thoughts.

Adrian suspected that Old Master Wallace might know a thing or two about the Chloe Alden case. It’s just that he had been so adept at concealing it that no fault could be detected.

When approaching someone, first win their heart. Adrian knew that besides famous paintings and cultural relics, Old Master Wallace had quite a penchant for men’s watches.

Originally meant for Zion Prescott, this watch, when given here, might prove to be useful.

...

"Young... Young Master Law, this is too precious; I can’t accept it."

Old Master Wallace was momentarily surprised, but seeing the Patek Philippe box, he knew the item inside was probably worth at least seven to eight hundred thousand, and saying he wasn’t tempted would be a lie. However, accepting it too easily might invite disaster.

No reward without effort.

The ancient saying goes.

If he succumbed to temptation for a moment of gain, he might bring about significant trouble.

...

Adrian Law saw the fleeting eagerness in Old Master Wallace’s eyes, realizing he hadn’t misjudged; the old master probably did love watches.

Patek Philippe was a renowned brand.

"If you feel uncomfortable accepting my gift, how about we make a trade?"

Adrian Law turned, glancing at numerous paintings displayed in the hall, knowing many were highly valuable, far beyond the worth of this watch.

However, he casually pointed at the painting of the shark feeding under the moonlight, which Cecilia Vaughn had looked at earlier.

"Do you remember how much Sean Grant sold this painting to you for? If the values aren’t too far apart, why not exchange it for my watch?"

Recalling Cecilia Vaughn’s gaze fixed on the painting earlier, Adrian felt a bit annoyed. If worst came to worst, he’d buy it back just to burn it.

"Well..."

Old Master Wallace awkwardly scratched his head, an aged man looking like a young lad feeling embarrassed.

"To be honest, it was a matter of luck. Sean Grant’s paintings are quite valuable nowadays. One watch like yours probably wouldn’t be enough, but I coincidentally acquired this shark piece while buying three other works from him, spending about over two million US Dollars. When I asked Sean Grant if he was selling, he disdainfully tossed it to me, saying he found it too ominous and was planning to throw it away, so he gifted it to me for free."

"So I can’t rightly set a price for this painting. If Young Master Law is willing to be friends, I’ll take your watch and gift this painting to you."

The implication in Old Master Wallace’s words wasn’t just about taking advantage of Sean Grant. Mentioning two million US Dollars highlighted the significant appreciation potential of Sean’s works, and accepting this gift exchange was a gesture of respect towards Adrian Law.

Adrian Law raised an eyebrow.

"Ominous? Did he know it was such an eyesore?"

Cecilia Vaughn, knowing the backstory, tugged on Adrian’s sleeve and whispered softly.

"That painting was done the day Chloe Alden died, which might be why Sean Grant didn’t want it."

"... That’s a thing?"

Adrian Law’s expression darkened.

For some reason, looking at that shark feeding painting, it no longer seemed as pleasing as before.

To be precise, Adrian Law had never found Sean Grant or his works agreeable, but associating with Chloe Alden’s case, that painting seemed too eerie.

Could such coincidences truly exist in this world?

"Adrian, are you suspicious?"

Realizing Old Master Wallace was still around, Cecilia Vaughn hurriedly swallowed the words she intended for Adrian, exchanging items first, then the two drove off.

...

"Cecilia, let’s make a trip to the art gallery."

"Huh, what for? Weren’t you staring at Sean Grant’s painting earlier for a long time? I thought you suspected Sean of being involved."

"He is indeed suspicious. First, he was a guest at Fiona Vaughn’s wedding, and secondly, his painting... the theme is too coincidental."

"How is that related to us going to the Caelus art gallery?"

Cecilia Vaughn raised her eyebrows in surprise.

...

"There are many painters there. I want to have this piece professionally appraised."

"..."

Cecilia Vaughn was at a loss for words. Apparently, Adrian Law didn’t regard her as a professional.

Alright then.

...

The two quickly arrived at the destination.

To their surprise, as soon as they got out of the car, they saw the young man who was painting on the bridge.

Narrow roads often lead to unexpected encounters.