Chapter 174
Chapter 175
Victoria let out a cold laugh as she folded her arms across her chest. “A painting only,” she said with obvious contempt. “You are claiming that is the most expensive items here, then prove it p>
Marcus remained completely calm. He didn’t argue with her. Instead, he stepped closer to Sweedy, gently turned the painting around, and pointed at the lower right corner. Look carefully,” he said. “There’s a signature p>
Sweedy wiped the tears from her eyes before lowering her gaze. The moment she saw the elegant signature at the bottom of the painting, her entire body trembled. Mr. Zed leaned closer as well, and when he recognized the name, his eyes widened in complete disbelief.
“K… Kyodshi…” he whispered.
Sweedy covered her mouth with both hands. “No… this can’t be…” she muttered as she stared at the signature. “Artist Kyodshi… one of the greatest painters in the world… and my mother’s favorite artist. Our house is filled with her works because my father spent years collecting them for my mother.” She slowly raised her eyes toward Marcus, unable to hide the excitement in them.” Don’t tell me… she painted this herself p>
Marcus nodded without hesitation. “Yes. Knowing how much your late wife loved her artwork, and how much both of you cherished her, I personally commissioned Artist Kyodshi to paint this piece. I paid five million dollars for it p>
The entire banquet hall exploded into chaos.
“What p>
“Five million dollars p>
“Did he just say five million p>
“Is he serious p>
One after another, shocked voices echoed throughout the hall. Several businessmen stood up in disbelief, while many guests instinctively walked closer, trying to get a better look at the painting. Even Julia stood frozen where she was, staring at Marcus with wide eyes. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard, Five million dollars… for a birthday gift?
Victoria’s face turned deathly pale before she quickly forced herself to sneer. “You’re lying,” she said sharply. “There’s absolutely no way someone like you could spend five million dollars on a single painting. Stop making up ridiculous stories. If you’re going to bluff, at least make it believable p>
Marcus simply smiled without saying a word.
Just then, a graceful voice sounded from among the guests. “Actually… he’s telling the truth p>
Everyone instinctively turned toward the source of the voice.
A woman wearing an elegant evening gown slowly stepped forward from the crowd. She reached up calmly, removed the fashionable glasses covering part of her face, and smiled gently.
The moment Mr. Zed saw her clearly, his eyes widened in shock.
“K-Kyodshi p>
Sweedy’s entire body stiffened. Her breathing stopped for a second before pure excitement overwhelmed her.
“Artist Kyodshi!” she cried.
Without caring about her status or the eyes watching her, she hurried forward and threw her arms around the woman in an emotional hug.
“I can’t believe it!” Sweedy said excitedly. “It’s really you! I’ve admired your paintings since I was a little girl. You’re my biggest
+15 Bonus
inspiration. I never imagined I’d meet you in person p>
Kyodshi laughed warmly as she hugged her back. “Happy birthday, Sweedy p>
Sweedy’s eyes became moist again, but this time they were tears of happiness. She looked from Kyodshi to the painting and then toward Marcus before laughing through her tears.
“My birthday…” she whispered, unable to container excitement. “My birthday has been made p>
Kyodshi smiled warmly as she gently wiped the tears from Sweedy’s face: “I’m happy,” she said softly, “that I could become part of your birthday. When Mr. Marcus contacted me, he didn’t ask me to paint something expensive or something that would impress people. He only asked me to create something that would remind you and your father of your late mother. He told me how much she loved Grace Bay Beach, and after hearing your story, I couldn’t refuse. I’m truly sorry for your loss p>
Sweedy’s tears flowed even harder. She held the painting tightly against her chest, as though she were afraid it would disappear if she let go. Mr. Zed also turned his face away for a brief moment, quietly wiping the corner of his eye. It had been years since anyone had brought back such vivid memories of his late wife.
Not far away, Julia stood rooted to the spot, unable to process everything she had just witnessed. Her eyes remained fixed on Marcus, her mind filled with countless questions. Who exactly is Marcus? Five million dollars… he had casually spent five million dollars on a birthday gift for someone he barely knew. How did he even have that kind of money? More importantly, how had he managed to contact someone as legendary as Artist Kyodshi? None of it made sense to her.
Victoria was just as stunned.
She stared blankly at Marcus, her face growing paler with every passing second. There was no way she could deny it anymore. Marcus hadn’t only presented the most meaningful gift of the evening-he had also presented the most expensive one. Everything she had mocked only moments ago had turned into the biggest slap across her face.
Beside her, Eden quietly clicked his tongue.
He knew exactly what that meant.
Victoria was in serious trouble now.
After chatting for several more minutes, Kyodshi happily took photographs with Mr. Zed and Sweedy. The three of them laughed together as they discussed art, and before long, they even exchanged contact information.
Finally, Kyodshi smiled at everyone and said, “Well, I’ve completed what Mr. Marcus asked me to do, so it’s time for me to leave. Once again, happy birthday, Sweedy. I hope this painting brings you happiness every time you look at it p>
“Thank you!” Sweedy said enthusiastically as she waved. “Thank you so much p>
The guests respectfully watched the world-renowned artist leave the banquet hall.
Only after Kyodshi had disappeared did Sweedy turn back toward Marcus.
She hugged the painting tightly once more before smiling through her tears.
“Wow…” she said with an emotional laugh. “This is honestly the happiest birthday I’ve ever had. I don’t even know how to thank you. I don’t know where to begin. You prepared all of this… just for me p>
Marcus smiled calmly. “Yes. And you don’t have to repay me. It’s a sincere birthday gift. The only thing I’d like in return…” Ho slowly turned his gaze toward Victoria before continuing, “…is for this foolish, arrogant woman to honor the bet she made herself p>
Every eye in the banquet hall instantly shifted toward Victoria.
Victoria’s heart skipped a beat.
+15 Bonus
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.