Chapter 608: Want to Buy This Painting

Chapter 608: Want to Buy This Painting

It seemed like Grace had somehow ticked off Flora, as Flora walked past her with a frosty expression, not even acknowledging her presence.

Grace was stunned, pursing her lips slightly as she followed Jerry and the other two veteran artists off the stage.

The judges' seats were right below the stage, but Grace didn't feel like sitting there just yet. She wanted to check on Charles and their three kids.

Just as she was about to head over, Jerry and the other two artists stopped her.

Jerry, looking particularly excited, patted Grace on the shoulder. "Grace, your painting is amazing! You've really blown me away!"

The other two veteran artists couldn't hide their admiration either, squinting their eyes as they spoke. "I think this painting is way better than your previous famous works!"

"Yeah, totally! It's like you've been reborn, like a phoenix rising from the ashes!"

Hearing such high praise, Grace smiled modestly. "Maybe it's because I've been through a lot and had some time to reflect, which is why this piece turned out so well."

"Grace, don't be so modest. I used to think President Brown's decision to make you the chief judge for this competition was a bit iffy, but now I see he has a unique eye for talent!"

Grace smiled humbly. "Please, you're too kind."

After a few more words of praise, they finally let her go, returning to their seats.

Grace now had time to find Charles and the kids, but as she turned around, she almost bumped into a broad chest.

Instinctively stepping back, she looked up and met a pair of deep, smiling eyes.

Charles had somehow made his way behind her, his eyes slightly squinted with amusement.

In his arms, Yosef's eyes widened, and he reached out his little arms, wanting Grace to hold him.

Bianca and Jasper stood beside Charles, their faces lit up with smiles.

Bianca and Jasper's big eyes sparkled like stars in the sky.

Bianca, looking like a little fan, raised her chubby hand and shouted, "Mommy, you're amazing!"

Grace laughed, bending down to kiss their faces and ruffle their hair. "Shouldn't you be in school right now? How come you're here?"

Bianca giggled, "Daddy got us a day off."

Grace chuckled, pinching their cheeks. "Thanks for cheering me on!"

The kids' eyes turned into crescents as they replied in unison, "You're welcome, Mommy."

Grace then looked up at Charles. "Thank you too."

Charles smiled warmly. "No need to thank me."

Yosef, in Charles's arms, waved his little arms excitedly, babbling, "No, no..."

Grace, charmed by his puffy cheeks, immediately took him into her arms, kissing his chubby face.

Yosef started to snuggle into Grace, rubbing his little head against her neck.

Grace gently patted him, then turned to see Jeffrey approaching with a cane.

Jeffrey, smiling broadly, stopped a short distance away. "I hope I'm not interrupting?"

Grace shook her head politely. "Not at all. Is there something you need?"

Jeffrey pursed his lips. "Yeah, there is."

He glanced at the large screen on the stage, which still displayed Grace's painting.

Most of the students admiring the artwork were gathered around Grace's painting, with few people in front of the other judges' works.

Jeffrey looked at her painting again and then said directly, "I want to buy your painting. Name your price, I'll pay whatever it takes."

He believed Grace's painting would become world-famous, and he wanted to secure it first, knowing its value would skyrocket.

Thinking about the painting's future worth, Jeffrey couldn't hide his excitement.

Grace was taken aback, not expecting Jeffrey to want to buy her painting. She hesitated, unsure how to respond, when a deep, magnetic voice interrupted, "Mr. Adams, I'm sorry, but this painting is already mine. I reserved it a long time ago."

Jeffrey, unwilling to give up, said, "Mr. Montague, don't compete with an old man like me. You can have her paint anything else you want since you're family."

Charles smiled. "Mr. Adams, I'm really sorry, but as you can see, the subjects of this painting are me and our three children. I can't let it go. However, if she creates new works in the future, I'll notify you first. How about that?"

Jeffrey, though reluctant, sighed. "Alright, but you must notify me first when she has new works."

He smiled at Grace, repeatedly reminding her.

Grace nodded. "Of course, I'll notify you first. Thank you."

Satisfied with their assurances, Jeffrey left.

Grace turned to Charles, smiling. "Were you serious? Do you really want this painting?"

Charles nodded. "I do. How much do you want for it?"

"If you want it, I'll give it to you for free."

Charles gently pinched her cheek. "No way. I have to pay for it. You spent two hours on this painting, and your hard work deserves compensation."

Grace looked at him.

Charles smiled. "How about a hundred million dollars?"

Grace remained silent, still looking at him.

Charles raised two fingers. "Two hundred million dollars?"

Grace still didn't speak, just stared at him.

Charles leaned in, his voice low and seductive. "Not enough? What do you want? How about I give myself to you?"

His warm breath on her ear made Grace's face flush.

She shyly pushed him away, whispering, "Stop it, the kids are here! And there are so many people around!"

Charles, watching her blush, smiled. "Not answering means you agree?"

Grace raised an eyebrow. "Agree to what?"

"Me giving myself to you in exchange for the painting."

Grace lifted her chin proudly. "You already belong to me! There's no need for an exchange."

Charles laughed indulgently. "You're right."

Grace smiled, then handed Yosef back to him. "Wait for me a bit longer. I'll discuss the competition details with the other judges, and then we'll go home together."

She turned to Bianca and Jasper, ruffling their hair. "Be good and wait a little longer. I'll take you out for something delicious afterward, okay?"

Bianca and Jasper nodded eagerly. "Okay, Mommy." Then they sat obediently with Charles.

Grace returned to the judges' seats. Besides her, Jerry and the other two veteran artists were already seated. Flora's seat was still empty.

As the chief judge, Grace's seat was in the center, with Jerry on her left and another veteran artist on her right.

Many people were still admiring the judges' artworks, especially Grace's.

The pre-competition ceremony wasn't over yet. Asher, noticing the time, tried to clear the stage.

After several attempts, the crowd reluctantly left the stage.

Once the stage was clear, Asher picked up the microphone and cleared his throat. "Contestants, please take your seats. The ceremony isn't over yet. Next, we'll draw the number cards."

As soon as he finished speaking, the staff began preparing on stage.

Grace's and the other judges' works were moved backstage, and the staff brought out a box containing the number cards for the draw.