His Destructive, Toxic Love

Faithe hopped out of the passenger seat first, making her way around to open the door for Casper. "Mr. Casper, we're here."

Casper glanced at Eliza. "We're here, let's get out."

He led the way, with Eliza following at a respectful distance.

Faithe sped up to catch up with her, whispering, "Mr. Manuel invited Mr. Casper over because he wants to hand over some of the paintings he's collected over the years. You should help Mr. Casper inspect them."

"Faithe, you brought the wrong person. You should've brought an art expert."

She wasn't an expert. She might not be helpful even if she knew a bit about art.

Rumor had it Manuel was from a royal lineage. His home was lavishly decorated, with famous paintings adorning every wall. Many unique antique vases seemed to have a lot of history.

Manuel came out to greet Casper with a wide smile. From a distance, he extended his hand. "Mr. Casper, it's been a long time. Your presence is an honor."

"Mr. Manuel, you're too kind."

Manuel recognized Faithe but not Eliza. As a man who had seen countless women, the first sight of such a beautiful woman made his gaze darken slightly. "And this is...?"

"This is Eliza from our company's design department. I brought her along to broaden her horizons," Casper casually introduced her.

Eliza wasn't surprised. Her identity depended on who was asking.

"Ms. Eliza is stunning. My paintings might lose their luster next to her," Manuel praised Eliza generously, extending his hand toward her.

She barely managed a faint smile.

Just as she was about to politely shake his hand, Casper took it instead. Mr. Manuel, let's see your prized piece. Ms. Eliza has a bit of understanding, so let her have a

look."

"Of course." Manuel's gaze lingered on Eliza's delicate face. Men and women alike could recognize such a look-lust, desire. He had it all.

"Mr. Manuel?" Casper's voice brought him back to reality.

Embarrassed, Manuel chuckled, "Of course, of course."

Manuel presented a landscape painting. Such masterpieces were rarely in private hands. Eliza's teacher had once borrowed a piece from amuseum, and she had

observed and studied the original up

close. .

"Ms. Eliza, you recognize this painting, right?" Manuel positioned the painting. "This is a masterpiece. I treasure it immensely."

Casper did not understand art, so he stepped aside to let Eliza look. Masterpieces, in every aspect, were benchmarks for imitation. Eliza studied it closely.

Manuel boasted, "I spent a fortune on this. I know Mr. Casper enjoys such things, so I'm willing to part with it."

The painting was impressive and felt historical. If it were genuine, it would be worth at least several hundred million.

"Mr. Manuel, how much are you planning to sell this painting to Mr. Casper for?"

"Considering our nearly decade-long friendship, a hundred million. I'll let it go because Mr. Casper likes it," Manuel expressed, as if money was less important than their relationship.

A hundred million? Indeed, not

much. Too bad it was a fake. But

that, she couldn't say outright. She. wasn't sure if Casper intended to spend a substantial amount

beline

regardless of the authenticity. Did he want to do Mr. Manuel a favour, or

did he genuinely want an authentic piece?

Faithe whispered to Eliza, "Is this real or fake?"

"If Mr. Casper wants to buy it, then it's real." Her implication was clear. She trusted Faithe and Casper would understand.