Chapter 26 Rex Arrives
William frowned and glanced at Matthew, who stared back with a cold smile.
"You're late even with a simple task like delivering a painting. Do you have any respect for Tyler?" he taunted.
Tyler, brimming with anger, approached and slapped William across the face. "How do I end up with a useless son-in-law like you? You've brought shame to our family!" he exclaimed.
The unexpected slap sent a shiver through the onlookers, who showed no sympathy, only mockery.
Matthew felt a surge of satisfaction seeing Tyler's public reprimand. "Well deserved!" he thought. "He deserves it."
William's eyes flashed with coldness, but he quickly composed himself and apologized. "Sorry, Dad. I get held up on the way."
Tyler snorted, his mood lightening as he took the painting. Turning away, he said, "Here it is, the million-dollar piece!"
Meanwhile, Matthew stood proudly next to William, taunting him, "You're quite the pushover, aren't you? I wonder how you managed to marry Mary."
Provocation and mockery filled his words.
William responded with a cold smile, "That's none of your business."
Matthew sneered, "Still not convinced? Look at yourself. Tyler doesn't value you. With a little effort from me, you'll be kicked out by the Smith family. Then, you'll be nothing but a stray dog. I can't wait to see you beg for mercy!"
Laughing disdainfully, Matthew cast a scornful glance at William before turning to assist Tyler.
Alan, who had been observing, approached William and offered, "William, shall I teach that guy a lesson?"
William shook his head, "No need. This is my problem. Just do your job."
Alan, taken aback, quickly nodded in agreement.
If others had witnessed this, they would have been shocked. Alan, the Underground Emperor of Lindwood City, was showing such respect to an ordinary young man.
William took a deep breath and stood idle in the corner of the showroom.
Outside, a luxurious Bentley pulled up at the Eagle Trade Showroom. Several female receptionists hurried to welcome the guests.
Rex had come specifically for the event, intrigued by the rumored million-dollar painting.
As he entered the showroom, Rex's presence caused quite a stir.
"Isn't that Rex Ingram from the Eagle Trade Group?"
"Even the maestro of the realm of collections has made an appearance!"
"Tyler's painting has even caught his attention."
Prominent figures from Lindwood City eagerly greeted and fawned over Rex Ingram, not just because of his renown in the collection world but also due to his substantial wealth.
Tyler, with a group of friends, welcomed Rex with a smile.
"Mr. Ingram, it's an honor to have you here. Please forgive us for not meeting you in person."
Tyler was thrilled. Having a master in the art world like Rex Ingram, personally visit would greatly enhance his reputation.
"Mr. Smith, it's my pleasure. I came here out of curiosity. I hope I'm not intruding."
Rex shook hands with Tyler, his face full of smiles.
"Mr. Ingram, it's my honor. Let me show you around. These are just some of my collections, they’re nothing compared to yours."
Tyler was humble in front of Rex, treating him like a mentor.
Seeing Rex, Matthew naturally seized the opportunity to flatter him.
He approached, warmly shook his hand, and said. "Mr. Ingram, I'm Matthew, the general manager of Star Dream Media. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Rex politely shook his hand, about to speak, when Matthew continued. "Mr. Ingram, I organized today's event. Would you like me to personally show you around?"
As soon as the words fell, Tyler's face behind Matthew fell.
Didn't this guy see that he was standing here? Did he need him to personally show Rex around?
However, Matthew completely disregarded Tyler at this moment and took the initiative to introduce Rex.
Although Tyler was slightly dissatisfied, he followed along and occasionally added a few words.
The people behind him also nodded in agreement, praising Rex.
Many people whispered on the side, "Tyler is going to be famous in the circle now that Rex Ingram has come."
"Indeed, anything that catches Mr. Ingram's eye is worth millions."
"No way, although he has a useless son-in-law, he also has a wealthy future son-in-law."
The group of people whispered, their expressions filled with envy and jealousy.
Despite their murmurs of admiration and envy, Rex Ingram found the outer exhibits unimpressive, bordering on rubbish.
After reluctantly looking around, Rex followed Matthew to the most luxurious exhibition hall.
In the center, there was a painting displayed in a glass cabinet, with a young man standing in front of it.
Rex's eyes fell on the familiar figure, and he was instantly excited!
'William is here too!'
Seeing William was standing in front of the painting, Matthew immediately became angry and walked over with a stern face. He pushed William aside and reprimanded, "Go away! Can't you see Mr. Ingram is here? And besides, do you even understand it?"
'This William is such a loser.'
'Pretending to know what he didn't?'
Tyler was also dissatisfied. Everyone came out to welcome Rex, but he just stood here looking at the painting.
'What a useless person!'
William glanced at Matthew, displeased, but he remained silent and stood aside.
Rex, seeing Matthew's rude treatment of William, naturally felt angry. He was about to step forward and reprimand him when he saw William frown at him.
Immediately, Rex stopped in his tracks, understanding William's intention.
William didn't like to make a scene.
However, he had to find a way to dampen Matthew's dash!
Insulting William was insulting him.
"Mr. Ingram, please take a look. This is the highlight of the exhibition, a million-dollar painting!" Tyler stepped forward, proudly introducing his prized collection.
'How exciting having Rex personally come to see it will greatly boost my reputation in the world of collecting!'
However, Rex Ingram's expression turned peculiar as he recognized the painting.
He saw the painting in the showcase and found it familiar.
Wasn't this the painting he had cherished for years and gave to William!
Wait, something seemed off about it...