Chapter 332 Victory Without A Fight
Just as Orlando basked in the self-satisfaction of having impressed Nigel, an unexpected voice cut through the conversation. “Forgive my bluntness, but this teapot seems rather ordinary to me. I’m sorry, Mr. Flynn, but I’m concerned-you didn’t happen to be deceived, did you?”
The voice belonged to Gatlin Hewitt, a well-known expert in antique appraisal. Though he had always held Nigel in high regard, his bluntness often got him into trouble.
Ryland, however, didn’t seem offended. Instead, his smile only grew wider. “Mr. Hewitt, I take it you know a thing or two about pottery?”
Gatlin shrugged, his tone modest. “I’ve studied them a bit.”
“Humph…” Orlando let out a cold laugh, drawing everyone’s attention. “Sir, I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of you. What makes you think this is just an ordinary teapot? With so many experts here, surely their knowledge surpasses yours.”
At his words, Nigel’s smile faltered, his expression shifting to one of
seriousness.
Orlando, seeing this, assumed Nigel was displeased on Ryland’s behalf, and his confidence in Gatlin’s mistake grew even stronger.
“When it comes to gifts, I’ve always valued the sentiment behind them,” Nigel said, his voice steady. “My godson knows exactly what I like, and that’s what truly matters. That’s what makes me happy.”
Orlando, eager to seize another chance to flatter, quickly added, “Mr. Olson is absolutely right! The meaning behind a gift is far more important than
its price. Mr. Flynn’s sincerity is clear to all of us.”
“However, Mr. Hewitt is not mistaken. This teapot…” Nigel said as his expression shifted slightly, and he turned to Ryland. “Why don’t you explain it?”
Ryland grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. He nodded toward Gatlin and said, “Mr. Hewitt has a sharp eye. This is, in fact, an ordinary teapot.”
Orlando’s face turned crimson with embarrassment.
Ryland turned to Orlando, his nod polite, but the gesture dripped with sarcasm. “I must also extend a special thanks to Mr. Perez for his kind words about my work. Yes, I made this teapot myself. I handpicked the materials and crafted it with care. While it may not be expensive or
valuable, it is, without a doubt, one of a kind. Mr. Perez, I truly appreciate your admiration!”
The crowd burst into applause, their enthusiasm evident as they praised Ryland’s craftsmanship and sincerity. But Orlando’s face flushed, his discomfort obvious. He had hoped to win favor by flattering, only to end up the punchline of the evening-exposed as someone pretending to know more than he did.
Gatlin, still smarting from Orlando’s earlier comment, saw his chance for revenge. He first complimented Ryland on his impressive skill, and then turned to Orlando with a pointed smile. “Mr. Perez, didn’t you say you’d like one of these too? Mr. Flynn, it seems you’ll have to get to work on
another one!”
Orlando could only manage a dry, forced laugh.
Ryland, seizing the moment, grinned slyly. “Making another one isn’t a problem, but Mr. Perez, while I’m no renowned master, my fees aren’t exactly cheap. Are you sure you want one?”
Orlando, his smile strained and awkward, had no choice but to agree in front of the crowd. “Of course, of course. Like Mr. Olson, I truly admire your
work, Mr. Flynn.”
Nigel raised a hand, cutting Orlando off with a calm gesture. “Mr. Perez, you have… unique taste. But I, on the other hand, value my godson’s rare sincerity above all.”
Meanwhile, Renee and William stood off to the side, quietly watching the exchange unfold.
Orlando’s blunder had only deepened his unflattering image in Nigel’s eyes. It seemed their competition had just been reduced by one.
Renee leaned in close to William, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Victory without a fight, right?”
William, however, raised an eyebrow, his voice calm and measured. “Not necessarily.”
