Chapter 207 You Made Me Embarrassed
"This painting's by Brian Robinson. It's not for sale. Oh, here he comes." Just as they were chatting, Brian approached with a cane.
Brian was pretty famous in the international art scene, and his paintings were super rare.
Aaliyah had heard of him. In high society, besides luxury stuff like jewelry and handbags, not having some famous artwork at home would get one labeled as a upstart.
Brian's paintings weren't something one could just buy with money. He had this quirky personality and almost impossible standards for buyers.
Aaliyah thought if she could snag this painting, she'd gain even more clout in her circle.
In no time, Brian was right in front of them.
Bob politely stepped up to greet him.
Brian just gave a quick nod, walked up, took the painting off the wall, and turned to leave.
Lillian noticed Aaliyah liked the painting and immediately stepped forward to stop him. "Mr. Robinson, how much for this painting? I want to buy it."
Brian frowned slightly and glanced at Lillian.
"You can't afford it," he said, trying to walk past her.
Feeling insulted, Lillian was a bit embarrassed. "Mr. Robinson, name your price, and then we'll see if I can afford it."
Lillian's face was with a hint of undeniable arrogance.
Brian snorted. "Selling it to you would ruin my reputation. Go for someone else's painting."
Lillian's expression turned grim, her eyes cold. Being belittled in front of Aaliyah,she couldn't take it.
For a moment, the air was filled with awkward silence.
Brian glanced around and saw Natalie, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you want to buy it?"
Natalie pursed her lips. "No!"
Brian laughed in exasperation.
Lillian, unwilling to give up, spoke coldly, "Mr. Robinson, why won't you sell it to me but ask someone else?"
"Because she's pretty," Brian said matter-of-factly.
Lillian was angry, glaring at him.
Aaliyah couldn't care less and kept giving Natalie meaningful looks. 'Don't refuse! I really want it!'
Natalie pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, and then changed her mind. "How much? I'll buy it."
She wasn't trying to go against Lillian. It was because Aaliyah wanted it.
Aaliyah was Charlie's mother, and for Charlie's sake, Natalie couldn't just walk away.
Brian said, "I sold one to the Valoria royal family in Eldoria for $13.5 million. How much will you offer?"
Natalie was a bit surprised.
Aaliyah and Lillian were even more shocked.
Lillian considered herself worldly, but she hadn't delved deeply into the value of cultural items. 'A $13.5 million painting? This should be in a museum.'
Natalie raised an eyebrow; it was worth the price.
Seeing that Aaliyah really wanted it, she nodded, her casual demeanor carrying an undeniable aura.
"Then I'll offer double." She couldn't be too stingy.
Brian was surprised by Natalie's nonchalance. "How generous."
"You're worth it." Natalie smiled.
After a few seconds, Brian snorted, "I'm still not selling it to you!"
With that, he turned and left.
Lillian smirked mockingly. Natalie wasn't that impressive after all.
Aaliyah anxiously looked at Brian; she couldn't miss this opportunity.
Natalie sighed helplessly. Finally, she spoke up to stop Brian from leaving. "Teacher, you're making me embarrassed."
