Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 2042

In just a while, Sage had the painting delivered to the Windsor residence.

Hansel and Camilla were not around to accept the gift.

Only Hansel's father, Horatio, was around.

The eighty-year-old, who was in the pink, was watering plants in the garden when Sage's men arrived.

He then accepted the gift on behalf of his son.

He then brought the painting back to the house and began to study the work of art.

Horatio had limited knowledge about paintings, so he called his butler, Syadin Tylass, over.

“Come and take a look at this painting,” Horatio said, “It's a gift from one of Hansel's students, but I can't tell if it's good or bad.”

Syadin studied the art piece closely and knitted his brows. He then shook his head and said, “The materials used in this painting seem fine, but I'm afraid it's a forgery.”

Horatio opened his eyes wide. “How so?”

Syadin smiled and explained, “Because the original painting is with Mr. Clifford Davier, so this must be a fake.”

Horatio paused for moment. “So this is not the real painting.”

Syadin grinned, “Most probably it's not. Why don't you get an expert to authenticate it?”

Horatio thought it was a good idea since he had nothing to do. Above all, he detested people who gifted counterfeit items.

So, the two of them went out to look for a qualified art authenticator.

As expected, the painting was a forgery. Clifford must have kept the original painting.

The authenticator named Yardley said to Horatio, “Though this is a forgery, the production quality is actually not bad. What if I pay you three thousand to buy this piece of work?”

Horatio was still annoyed by the fact that someone gifted a fake artwork to his son. Since there was no point keeping a forgery, he thought he might as well sell it for some money.

Horatio decided to accept Yardleys offer.

Yardley paid Horatio the money and scurried off after receiving the painting.

By the time Horatio returned home with Syadin, Hansel and Camilla had also just arrived.

“But if you really want me to quote a price, I supposed it would cost at least eighty million,” she said.

Eighty million!

Horatio was thunderstruck. He nearly passed out upon hearing that figure.

I sold a masterpiece worth eighty million for three thousand...

Hansel and Camilla immediately held Horatio's arms. “Dad, are you okay?”

Horatio panted heavily and said, “Syadin, go and find Yardley and buy back the painting...”

“Sir, we found him on the street in the antique market,” Syadin said in between sobs, “He doesn't have a store. He doesn't even have a stall. We don't even know his full name!”

“I guess he must have escaped with the painting. How are we supposed to track him down?” he said in disappointment.

Horatio regretted his action. He was so mad at himself that he passed out and collapsed on the ground.

Hansel panicked and exclaimed, “Dad!” “Quick, send him to the hospital now!”