Shae stared at Nathan, looking overly pleased with herself.
Her eyes seemed to mock him. Oh, Nathan. Weren't you bragging that someone would compliantly give you the painting? Do you expect General Tomlinson to surrender such a valuable piece of artwork to you? Or are you hoping to receive it from the Chief Military Governor? Who do you think you are? You're a disgrace to society!
Penny seethed with rage when she heard how Shae publicly shamed her husband.
Nathan, on the other hand, appeared unruffled, as if victory was on the horizon.
Taken aback by Shae's bold taunts, Sage paused momentarily before laughing boisterously. “Ah, so it turns out that General Cross is also a fan of
Wyland Huck's work. In that case, please accept this abstract painting as a gift from me, General.”
What?
Shae was stupefied by the turn of events.
Penny, too, was dumbfounded, and she gaped at Sage in disbelief.
I can't believe Nathan's words actually came true! Someone actually gave him the painting of their own accord!
Sage took the painting and proffered it to Nathan. His mannerism was one of utter obeisance.
Just as Nathan prepared to accept the gift, a shrill voice pierced the air.
“Wait!” Shae shrieked.
Fuming, she stormed up to Sage and stopped him. “General Tomlinson, are you really going to give this painting to Nathan?” she screeched.
Sage remained impassive as he reasoned, “This painting is a gift to me, so I have the right to do what I want with it. I wish to give this painting to General Cross. Is there a problem with that?”
“Yes!” Shae bellowed.
“And what would that be?” Sage feigned ignorance.
Shae's voice was cold and dripping with malice. “General Tomlinson, are you really that oblivious, or is this just an act?”
“I really have no idea. Please enlighten me, Ms. Shae,” was Sage's calm response.
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