Chapter 49 Invitation To An Auction In Paris
Chapter 49 Invitation To An Auction In Paris
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Krizia was pleasantly surprised when she saw Arlan walking towards them. "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you the owner of Pegasus Hotel, Mr. Arlan Dominic Roa."
The four Frenchmen turned their heads and saw a tall man dressed in a light brown suit with its matching same-colored pants. He was wearing a pair of brown leather shoes that increased his overall charm.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen." Arlan flashed a professional smile as he shook hands with them. Krizia also introduced the Frenchmen to Arlan while he was shaking hands with them.
"I hope I came at the right time." Arlan displayed great confidence that was unbefitting his age. They chatted briefly about random matters to test out Arlan's knowledge. To their surprise, he was actually quite knowledgeable and he even gave them a unique understanding about Maharlika. His eloquence gained the respect and admiration of the four Frenchmen.
"Mr. Roa, I've really enjoyed our conversation. I was wondering if you are free on Saturday of next week. You see, there will be an auction at Christie's Auction House in Paris. I heard that Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi is one of the auction items. It will be a great opportunity to obtain that beautiful and historical artwork!" Peter Bacari, the President of Louis Vuitton, muttered with a smile.
"Oh? That painting is indeed a great historical relic. It was painted by Leonardo da Vinci after King Louis XII of France conquered the Duchy of Milan and took control of Genoa in the Second Italian War... My villa is quite empty and it would be a great addition to my collection. I would love to get my hands on that painting!" Arlan said while swirling the glass of wine in his hand. After claiming 50 years of calligraphy and painting experience, he was no longer a newbie in the history of art and famous painters. It was among the things he learned after incorporating those long years of experience in his mind.
Krizia and the four Frenchmen were shocked by his knowledge of the painting.
"Splendid! I didn't know that Mr. Roa is also a lover of art!" Peter Bacari stared at him in awe, while the other Frenchmen clapped their hands in admiration. Meanwhile, Krizia was also staring at Arlan with a worshiping gaze. Her boss managed to earn the respect of Peter Bacari and the others in just a short amount of time! The former owner of Pegasus Hotel couldn't do that!
Arlan laughed lightly as he put down the glass of wine on the table. "I just know a little bit about painting and the history of art. You're overpraising me, Mr. Bacari."
Arlan chatted with the Frenchmen for over an hour. Their conversation ended on a good note and he was even invited by Peter Bacari to join the auction in Paris. He was also excited to join the auction so he accepted the invitation.
"Boss, you really surprised me there!" Krizia had stars in her eyes as she stared at Arlan's face.
"Stop looking at me like that." Arlan chuckled and shook his head. He then look at the time on his watch and said. "We only have three hours before Laurence and Morgan arrives. Is everything ready?"
Krizia nodded her head. "I've already informed our people. They are only waiting for our signal."
Arlan stared at her face and noticed some traces of fatigue in her eyes. "Thank you." He muttered while patting her shoulder.
Krizia jolted in surprise at his sudden words, but she still managed to give him a candid smile. "It's my pleasure, boss!"
Three hours later, a black limousine that was followed by a grand convoy appeared at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, shocking the people who were at the scene.
Arlan and Krizia stepped out of the limousine under the heated gazes of the crowd. Some people started taking pictures and videos of them. A few people wanted to get a closer look, but they were quickly stopped by a group of stern-looking security personnel.
"That should be them." Arlan muttered as he looked at the private jet that was about to land.
Krizia stared at him from head to foot. She then carefully adjusted his necktie and suit.
"Do I look good?" Arlan asked.
"You look great!" Krizia smiled in response.
Arlan laughed lightly and the slight nervousness he was feeling disappeared like a puff of smoke.
Soon, the private jet landed and stopped in front of their convoy. The hatch slowly opened and the people inside the jet alighted one after another. The first person to exit was an old man with sleek back hair. He was followed by another old man with a receding hairline.
"That old man with sleek back hair is Mr. Morgan Stan, the CEO of Morgan Stanley and the old man beside him is Mr. Laurence Finn, the CEO of Blackrock Incorporated." Krizia whispered into his ears. "Morgan Stan's company has an estimated net worth of over 147 billion dollars, while Laurence Fink's Blackrock Incorporated has over 177 billion dollars." She added.
Arlan was shocked by the wealth of the two old men. He could never earn that amount of money without the help of the mysterious app. In comparison, the two old men worked hard to achieve their current status.
"Welcome to Maharlika, Mr. Finn, and Mr. Stan." Arlan greeted the two politely. Both old men deserved his respect. After all, they were legendary figures in the business world!
Laurence and Morgan sized up the man in front of them. "Are you Mr. Roa?" Morgan asked.
"My apologies for the late introduction. I am Arlan Dominic Roa and this is my assistant, Krizia Rosalez." Arlan wanted Krizia to join their conversation so he also introduced her to the two.
They shook hands and greeted each other politely.
"You are young and promising, Mr. Roa."
"Gentlemen, let's continue talking inside the vehicle." Arlan said as he looked at the limousine while doing a 'this way' gesture.
Laurence and Morgan nodded their heads before they walked towards the limousine.
Many media personnel were at the scene taking pictures and recordings of them. Unfortunately, they were too far to hear what they were talking. In the end, they could only speculate in their minds.