Chapter 393: Rely on Daddy or Husband? Rely on Yourself!
Cecilia Vaughn elegantly held her dress, her smile as calm as water, displaying none of the nervousness or unease that younger individuals often showed in front of the old master.
She wore only light makeup, and her attire was modest and traditional, with no exposed waist or legs, not even her collarbone, which was gracefully covered by a velvet dress with a ruffled collar.
Yet, her every move and smile carried such a charm that it gave off an air of medieval nobility, astonishing the eyes of many.
"Hello, Mr. Dodge."
...
In fact, the celebrities present were taught by professional etiquette instructors to maintain good posture, and the young heirs and heiresses from wealthy families had been steeped in etiquette lessons since childhood.
However, in all these years, Sorenson Dodge had never seen a girl perform Western etiquette so naturally and smoothly, especially as Cecilia Vaughn was inherently a Veridian.
"Miss Vaughn, your greeting has strengthened my resolve to purchase your masterpiece. Miss Vaughn, please consider it."
The old master elegantly stepped forward, took Cecilia Vaughn’s left hand, and very respectfully performed a hand-kiss ceremony.
It’s not hard to imagine that if the old gentleman were a few decades younger, he would certainly be a gentleman capable of charming young ladies.
...
In truth, Cecilia Vaughn was not particularly impressed by the hand-kiss ceremony, but after seeing Sorenson Dodge retort Fiona Vaughn, she found herself somewhat liking the old man and accepted the gesture gracefully.
Her posture was poised, and the smile at her lips was like ripples under moonlight.
"Mr. Dodge, actually, you don’t need to concern yourself with this matter because I’ve already given that painting to Grant."
Saying this, Cecilia Vaughn smiled and glanced at Sean Grant, who stood silently by.
...
Everyone marveled inwardly at her calm and composed manner.
"Regardless of anything else about the Vaughn family’s eldest miss, her elegant demeanor truly commands admiration, not showing the slightest stage fright before Mr. Dodge is truly remarkable."
"Indeed, comparing it to Fiona, who’s still leaning into The Second Young Master Law’s embrace, wiping her tears for reasons unknown, makes it seem somewhat small-minded."
Fiona Vaughn nearly ground her teeth at those comments.
Enraged, she almost stormed off but was too curious about whether Mr. Dodge would actually buy Cecilia Vaughn’s painting to leave.
What makes this woman so special? She was merely a repeating freshman student, yet caught the eye of a great philanthropist?
She even heard of the Sunset Painting before, as it was Katherine North, back when she was Stellerton University’s campus queen, who complained to her and Chloe Alden about this matter.
Originally, Katherine maliciously ruined the painting with paint, making it unviewable, but then Sean Grant unexpectedly offered to fix it.
If Sean Grant hadn’t helped Cecilia Vaughn, how could she have had such a moment of triumph?
Now Cecilia Vaughn cleverly says that the ownership of the painting belongs to Sean Grant, as if she wanted to refuse the offer, why did she bother with that enchanting Western etiquette?
The more Fiona Vaughn thought about it, the more enraged she became.
...
Yet Cecilia Vaughn truly felt that the painting no longer belonged to her.
However, Sean Grant shook his head.
"The structure of the painting is yours; I merely refined it. Giving it to me is one thing, but if Mr. Dodge wants to buy it, it still requires your consent."
Sorenson Dodge saw their disagreement and anxiously spoke up.
"Miss Vaughn, in that case, just name your price?"
Cecilia Vaughn bit her lip, intending to say he could discuss it with Sean, yet the old man enthusiastically showed one finger and quickly stated a price.
"Ten million, how about that?"
Cecilia Vaughn was taken aback at once.
Was her artwork, meant as a fine arts class assignment, actually worth that much money?
"Are you referring to... US Dollars?"
She swallowed hard, suddenly doubting reality.
"Of course!"
Seeing Mr. Dodge nod decisively, Cecilia Vaughn felt beads of sweat on her hands. Goodness, isn’t that almost seventy million Golden Currency?
To buy a class assignment?
Isn’t that too extravagant?
Though Cecilia Vaughn considered herself accustomed to grandeur, she really thought accepting this offer would weigh too heavily on her conscience.
"I... isn’t this offer a bit too...""expensive?"
Sorenson Dodge saw Cecilia Vaughn hesitating and interrupted her, raising two fingers before she could finish.
"You feel it’s too cheap, don’t you?"
Mr. Dodge glanced at Sean Grant, seemingly enlightened as he nodded.
"Oh, right, you have to split it with Sean Grant; then it would be twenty million US Dollars. Both of you will get half."
"..."
It was the first time seeing a buyer proactively increasing the selling price...
Cecilia Vaughn’s expression became a mix of emotions, suddenly feeling the need to refresh her understanding of lavishness.
Given Cecilia Vaughn’s financial standing, she wasn’t mesmerized by ten million US Dollars, but others offering it so casually was like handing her money!
She probed cautiously.
"Mr. Dodge, don’t you find it expensive?"
"Worth every penny!"
Sorenson Dodge pulled out his phone album and, showing obvious affection, showed Cecilia Vaughn the photo he’d taken of the Sunset Painting.
"Look at this, the paint, the conception, it’s like one side is a tranquil paradise and the other a hidden abyss of darkness, contrasting yet harmonious; I genuinely love it and wish to purchase it for collection."
Cecilia Vaughn: "..."
Well, she didn’t understand the world of the truly wealthy.
...
Soon, the transaction was completed.
The old gentleman was straightforward, quickly arranging for two bank cards each with Cecilia Vaughn and Sean Grant’s share of ten million US Dollars, before elegantly departing with Sean Grant to collect the artwork.
Those who witnessed it all could only gape at Cecilia Vaughn, especially staring enviously at the bank card she returned to her purse.
"Wow, I can’t believe my eyes; someone can earn ten million in five minutes."
"Mind you, the unit is US Dollars, thank you."
"...So is this proof that it’s better to rely on one’s talent than on family or spouse? I suddenly feel like latching onto Eldest Miss Vaughn’s coattails."
"You’d better think if it’s possible to learn painting at this point."
...
Amidst everyone’s chatter, some began to approach Cecilia Vaughn with friendliness.
Cecilia Vaughn, already shivering from the cold wind, was overwhelmed by all the flattery and quickly headed towards the warmth of the hall.
Inside, the temperature was over twenty degrees, and Cecilia Vaughn felt revived, even slightly overheated.
She found a seat without grabbing a drink or socializing, keeping to herself, yet her tranquility seemed thorny in others’ eyes.
Fiona Vaughn calmly approached while holding onto Tyson Law.
"Sister, I heard you just earned ten million US Dollars. Since today is a charity gala, and you’re both beautiful and kind, why not go with the flow and donate the money to children in need?"