"He's my mentor. He assisted me with this piece," he clarified.
Upon hearing this, Kenneth swelled with pride.
“While I may have guided you, the artwork is your own. The decision is yours," he reassured Jerrold, beaming with pride.
Encouraged by the enthusiasm, Jerrold agreed to the sale, and the buyer couldn't have been happier.
“Alright, let's get the paperwork handled backstage after the show," he suggested with a smile.
Jerrold simply nodded, his face alight with satisfaction.
Upon learning that a billionaire had dropped ten million on a painting by a kindergartner, Hawley's face turned a shade of red.
His previous scoffs now haunted him, leaving him feeling deeply embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Jenna's wish to see Jerrold make a fool of himself didn't come true, and she chewed on her lip in vexation.
As Jerrold basked in the glow of adulation, Vera's gaze sharpened, a hint of envy in her eyes. Under her breath, she muttered, “One day, Jerrold, I'll surpass you in every possible way."
The internet was abuzz with excitement.
The news that a child's painting had fetched ten million dollars ignited debates and excitement across social media.
“This kid's got serious talent for his age. He's surely on the path to becoming a renowned artist."
"Whoever said toddlers can't create a good painting must be eating their words now. His painting just sold for ten million!"
"I wish I could've been there. It's one of those moments that's perfect for capturing on camera!"
Those who had previously dismissed the child's abilities were now silent, having been drowned out by online ridicule.
In the exhibition hall, Hawley was desperately trying to salvage what was left of his pride. He approached the wealthy buyer with a hopeful yet timid offer. "Would you consider buying this painting for five million?"
The buyer shot him a dismissive glance and chuckled. “After just snagging a ten-million masterpiece, why would I settle for something half as valuable?"
Hawley's cheeks flushed a deep crimson as he became the unwanted center of attention, feeling utterly foolish.
Overwhelmed by embarrassment, he quickly left the hall.
A short time later, after finalizing the sale, Jerrold and Kenneth departed from the exhibition hall, elated from their successful dealings.
Back at the office, Lilah had Emma return the red gift box to Trent.
That evening, while Lilah was jotting down new business strategies to expand her company, her phone rang.
Seeing it was Gerard, she answered with a smile. "Hey Gerard, what's up?"