Chapter 668 Ancestral Craftsmanship
“It’s not your collection that was destroyed. But, of course, it’s easy for you to say that.” Jonas didn’t buy into his act at all. “Even if you want to be generous at the expense of others, you have to see if you have the right to!”
After ruining his treasure in his house, he was still expected to let it go. How was that possible?
Before this, Elise still held a little hope. She felt that anyone who knew how to appreciate her work must be good to get along with. But, now that she saw Jonas’ behavior, her fantasy was suddenly shattered.
Besides everything else, she was furious when she saw him attacking Alexander.
Elise suddenly removed Alexander’s hand that was holding her back and strode forward, then said bluntly, “It’s reasonable to compensate for the damage to your personal belongings according to the cost. We’ve apologized and promised to compensate, but you’re reluctant to forgive a girl and are rude to your guests. Is this how distinguished you are, Mr. Hymer?”
“Distinguished?” Jonas let out a sarcastic laugh. “Fine, I don’t want compensation. Let her restore the painting to its original state. Is that distinguished enough?”
“What’s done is done. Why do you have to force her to do something that’s beyond her power?” Elise asked dispassionately.
“So, you know that it’s something that’s beyond her power? I have a lot of money, but only one of these paintings exists. Every time the artist gets a burst of inspiration, it means the birth of a new life. If she destroys my painting, she’s committing murder!” The more Jonas spoke, the more emotional he became; even the blue veins on his forehead were bulging.
Stephanie lowered her head and had nothing to say. She reckoned she deserved to be scolded for the trouble she caused.
Jonas didn’t want the money; he wanted the painting. However, she ruined the painting and repairing it didn’t make much sense. The situation seemed to be frozen in this state.
Elise didn’t expect that Jonas would throw such a massive tantrum because of her painting. So it was rather hard for her to speak up for a while.
At this moment, Alexander put forward an idea. “Mr. Hymer, if you don’t mind, I have a few collections that aren’t bad. So you can go to my house and choose one to fill the vacancy. Plus, this lady’s compensation will make up for the loss. How about that?”
“If any painting can replace it, will there be any criminals who are executed by the law?” Jonas’ tone was harsh, and he refused to back down.
Alexander couldn’t bear it anymore after hitting a snag twice, but he had no better solution.
The other guests began to exchange whispered discussions.
“Everyone knows that Jonas is obsessed with paintings. SQ’s work has been his favorite in the past few years. So it’s no wonder he’s so angry.”
“That’s right. Jonas has spent more time with these paintings than he had with his own children. Who on earth can still calmly bargain after losing a child?”
“It’s all this woman’s fault! She wasn’t cautious!”
When Tiana noticed this, her lips curled up.
Stephanie, oh, Stephanie. From today onward, you will really have a ‘reputation’.
Elise saw that Stephanie’s eyes were red, and her heart softened, so she could only bite the bullet and take responsibility for the matter.
“Actually, Mr. Hymer, I was joking with you just now. Miss Stephanie didn’t drop the painting. I pushed her, so she knocked into the display cabinet and ended up destroying the painting.” Elise forced a smile.
“Elise…” Stephanie raised her head in confusion, her eyes glistening and filled with puzzlement.
The two of them were clearly standing side by side just now. From Elise’s position, she wasn’t at the angle to push her. She didn’t want the beautiful Elise to get into trouble because of her.
Elise discreetly shook her head, motioning for her to stay silent.
“A joke?” Jonas’ tone became even colder. “You used SQ’s painting as a joke?”
“Calm down. Calm down.” Elise waved her hand, trying to get him to take it easy. “I was just angry that you were deceived, Mr. Hymer, so I helped you ruin this fake.”
“You’re saying that my painting is a fake?” Jonas skeptically raised one eyebrow.
“Exactly.” Elise nodded affirmatively.
“What? A fake? How’s that possible? Jonas bought a fake?” The crowd began murmuring, all expressing their disbelief.
However, Jonas was bold enough to say sarcastically, “My painting has been professionally appraised. Do you think you can get away with saying that it’s a fake?”
“Don’t worry. Since I dare to say that, naturally, I have my reasons. I brought the artwork that is at the peak of SQ’s career. Mr. Hymer, are you really not planning to take a look?” Elise deliberately cast a bait to divert his attention.
Jonas thought for a moment, then loosened up. “Okay. I’d like to see what you are. Go and get the painting. I’ll wait here.”
“Wait a moment,” Elise responded with a smile, then glanced at Stephanie again to reassure her before pulling on Alexander and preparing to leave.
“Wait.” Jonas stopped her. “You’re together. You’re not tricking us into staying here while you escape, are you?:
Elise frowned. “Mr. Hymer, isn’t it better for there to be more trust between people?”
Jonas shook his head, indicating that he wasn’t going to let them leave simultaneously.
“How troublesome,” Elise muttered, then walked over and grabbed Stephanie’s hand. “I’ll go with her and leave my husband here. Will that work?”
Alexander was baffled.
Jonas nodded and said impatiently, “Be quick.”
Elise took Stephanie’s hand and hurried off.
In the garden, she randomly approached a servant and successfully sweet-talked them into bringing them to the study of the villa.
Unsurprisingly, Jonas, as obsessed with paintings as he was, had space and tools for painting in the study room.
Elise hurriedly found the inkstone and stuffed it into Stephanie’s hand. “We’re pressed for time. Help me grind it.”
Stephanie stuffed it back into her hands, then began to talk to herself as she paced in place. “Time is indeed running out. There’s no other choice. I can only try to restore SQ’s work based on my memory. But, my ink painting skills aren’t good. Even if I did it, it’ll probably only be 50% similar. We have no choice. This is the last resort. Elise, you grind it. I’ll—”
Stepanie was speaking halfway when she turned around, only to see that Elise was already standing at the table with a few brushes in her mouth. Both her hands were moving in sync as she painted gracefully.
She was instantly stunned, completely attracted by Elise’s painting.
“We need to rush. I’m running out of ink. Don’t just stand there,” Elise urged solemnly.
Stephanie returned to her senses and hurriedly ran over to hand her a brush.
Ten minutes later, a lifelike ‘Ink Peonies’ appeared on the paper.
Even though Stephanie didn’t know much about ink painting, she was shocked by the lifelike appearance of the peonies.
“Elise, you…”
Elise set the seven to eight brushes in her hand down on the table, then stretched and asked, “Similar, right? Let me tell you. My ancestors sold fake paintings. When it was my turn, I specialized in copying the paintings of these modern artists, so I’m very familiar with SQ’s ‘Ink Peonies’!”
