"Oh, it's not a problem," Gina assured Aron before wheeling on Frank. "Go on, bring your painting."
"What are you doing, Mom?!" Helen snapped with a scowl—if the real Bronx was being hung in Gerald Simmons' office, Aron would definitely recognize it!
Did she really have to go that far just to humiliate Frank?
Gina giggled smugly in turn. "Don't you dare side with him—he's the one who kept insisting that it's real. Let's see what he's going to say now!"
"What…" Helen bit her lip, speechless.
On the other hand, Frank remained impassive as he passed the painting to Aron, who was stunned when he saw it.
Gina hurried up to him, asking, "So? Is it real?"
Zeb, Cindy and Peter were staring at Frank in turn, waiting for him to embarrass himself!
Aron inhaled deeply and said, "Of course it's real."
"See—wait, what's that?" Gina froze before she could start mocking Frank. "Are you sure, Mr. Lynch?"
"Of course," Aron nodded repeatedly. "I've seen this painting every day for so long, since it was hung in Mr. Simmons' study. There's no mistaking it."
He then remembered not seeing it for the past couple of days—so Gerald gave it off to the Lanes!
Aron threw up his hands. "No we don't, sir—but Mr. Simmons often mentioned you. So, he gave you his favorite piece… that makes a lot of sense now!"
"Also, I believe I must inform you that Mr. Simmons arranged for this hall," Aron added. "We apologize for not asking for your approval beforehand."
Aron's apology somehow sounded suspiciously like bragging, as if he wanted everyone to know that Gerald was the one who got the hall for this occasion.
"Really?" Frank asked in feigned surprise before turning to smile at Zeb. "I thought Mr. Zeb Larkin there made the arrangements?"
Even as Zeb's heart thumped when he realized things were going bad, Aron appeared utterly confused. "Zeb Larkin? Who's that?"
Gian quickly explained, "That's him right there! Didn't he ask Mr. Simmons to arrange this hall for us?"
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