Chapter 885 Accused Of Plagiarism
Meanwhile, Josie was almost convinced by what she heard.
She gazed at the painting for a long time, admiring the deep blue tones, the smoke rising in the small town, and a crescent moon hanging overhead. From an artistic appreciation perspective, it indeed holds some value, but alas-
Someone in the audience teased, “So, did you two end up together?”
Heather’s face turned red. “Haven’t you all seen it?”
The clamor from the audience grew even more intense.
The bidding had begun.
In order to show their support, the audience bid back and forth for several rounds until the bid reached one million.
It was a high price, yet compared to her previous paintings, it seemed rather ordinary, for it was less than half of what she usually got.
Heather nestled in Claudia’s arms, not sensing anything amiss initially.
Josie saw someone raising a sign for one million and ten thousand.
The woman from the socialite section, however, did not try to outbid it. She was looking down at her phone, not making a move.
The situation was a bit awkward, but thankfully, the host was used to handling such grand events. Holding the microphone, he politely asked, “Is there anyone else who would like to raise the bid? All proceeds from today’s auction will be donated to impoverished mountainous regions.”
A soft murmur arose from below, but no one raised their bidding paddle again.
Going to such lengths to support someone was acceptable, but it was simply not worth it to spend a fortune on a painting that held no value for collection.
The unusual silence caught the attention of those in the lounge.
It was as if Josie could feel that particular burning gaze silently creep in.
I wonder what kind of expression Dexter is wearing while watching this scene.
She actually felt somewhat excited.
The lady from the socialite zone received a message. She glanced down at it, yet she still did not raise her bidding paddle.
The auctioneer on stage gripped the gavel, cold sweat trickling down his forehead. It seems that today, this painting will be sold at an extremely low price…
“One million and ten thousand going once!”
The phone in Josie’s pocket suddenly vibrated. She took it out and glanced at the screen. It was a message from Angel: I’ve arrived.
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“One million and ten thousand going twice!”
She put it back, slipped the tip of her toe back into her shoe, and stood again in her high heels. From that angle, she could see Heather’s restless demeanor.
On one side, Mark’s solemn face seemed to have gained a touch of authority.
“One million and ten thousand…”
Just as the gavel was about to fall, a voice suddenly rang out from outside. “Apologies, this painting cannot
be auctioned off!”
It was spoken resonantly in Uprian.
Everyone’s gaze landed on a foreign woman with blonde hair who appeared to be in her twenties or thirties. She briskly walked in, with a girl keeping pace behind her.
The foreign woman was scowling, her presence prompting some in the crowd to discreetly raise their phones. After all, she was a renowned landscape painter from abroad.
Someone gasped softly.
Josie stood in the corner, tilting her head slightly. She was relishing in Heather’s current state-the latter had turned pale and was trembling.
When the confused Claudia looked at Heather, the latter could only respond with a helpless shake of her head.
No one could stop the foreign woman. She had already stepped forward, projecting the materials she brought onto the big screen.
“This painting is the most meaningful of all my works, never before exhibited publicly. Today, I am shocked to learn that someone has plagiarized my artwork for profit. I am deeply angered, and I will ensure that the plagiarist pays an appropriate price!”
She was fierce and uncompromising. She didn’t hold back and had no intention of showing a shred of
mercy.
Heather could barely stand, almost needing someone to prop her up.
The people gathered that day were all prominent figures of Wavery. Their witnessing the drama was as good as it becoming common knowledge within their social circle.
Liana… accused of plagiarism… at her own birthday party…
