It was only then that Jacinta Hale realized her father's milestone birthday was just around the corner. When it came to the most prominent figures in Aethelgard who appreciated calligraphy and painting, he was second to none! Joel Xavier had just mentioned that the Shan Franklin piece was so pricey because wealthy individuals were looking to buy it as a birthday gift to curry favor. If she looked at it that way, it all clicked into place! 'Looks like I overestimated Joel Xavier. But then again, he's a man in his thirties who has probably dedicated all his time to studying appraisal techniques. He wouldn't be capable of such deep scheming!'
"Mom, Hale already bought that old man's authentic Shan Franklin piece—he paid three million for it! What are we going to do?" Shelby Fenton asked, making a point to bring it up.
