Claude's appearance cast a heavy pall over the scene.
Everyone knew Chen Nan had entered with Mulhard.
Even though he held Monet's final masterpiece.
But.
They couldn't understand why Claude valued Chen Nan so highly.
Even threatening to exterminate Kaijett's family.
The Saul family held extraordinary influence in New York, with connections in both the underworld and legitimate society.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them a local power.
However.
They were not absolutely invincible.
Compared to the Rockefeller family, they were insignificant.
"Mr. Claude, this fellow hit me first," Kaijett said, his face full of apprehension. He had no doubt about Claude's words; a single statement from him could bankrupt the Saul family.
"Mr. Claude, he harassed me first, which is why my husband retaliated," Xu Qingxin said nervously. She didn't know Chen Nan had saved Claude and was being overly cautious around him.
Claude replied, "Miss Xu, rest assured. Anyone who attends my exhibition is my esteemed guest."
"I will absolutely not allow anyone to harm my guests!"
With that, he pulled out a revolver.
He aimed it at Kaijett's knee and pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The gunshot echoed.
Kaijett screamed and collapsed onto the ground.
Blood stained his knee, resembling a blooming rose.
The sight sent a collective gasp through the crowd, along with a profound sense of unease.
Everyone knew Claude as a benevolent old man.
He had an excellent reputation within their circle.
But who could have predicted he would erupt in such fury today, even firing his gun at Kaijett?
This was entirely out of character for him.
Kaijett was drenched in sweat.
While the pain in his knee was excruciating, it was dwarfed by the shock he felt. "Mr. Claude, I was wrong, I was wrong! Please, show mercy and spare my life."
At this moment.
He had no doubt that Claude would kill him to appease Chen Nan.
Although he didn't understand why Claude held Chen Nan in such high regard,
He knew admitting his mistake was the right thing to do.
Claude's expression was devoid of emotion. "I will call your grandfather and inform him of your actions today."
"Get out!"
"Yes, yes, I'm leaving!" Kaijett signaled to his two bodyguards.
The two injured bodyguards quickly stepped forward, helped Kaijett up, and escorted him out of the exhibition hall.
The others in the room now looked at Chen Nan with deep apprehension.
They didn't know why Claude showed Chen Nan such respect.
But one thing was evident.
This man from the East was about to make a name for himself in the Western world.
With the backing of the Rockefeller family, he would be able to establish himself in the West.
"What happened?"
"I heard someone disrespected Miss Xu?"
Just then.
Mulhard hurried over, looking flustered. "Damn it, who was so audacious as to disrespect my guests like that?"
Slap!
Unexpectedly.
Chen Nan swung his hand and slapped Mulhard across the face. "Old man, do you think I'm blind? Didn't I see you hiding in the corner earlier?"
Chen Nan rarely lost his temper.
But women and family were his absolute boundaries.
If Kaijett had bullied Xu Qingxin and Mulhard hadn't been present, it would have been one thing.
But he had clearly been hiding in a corner, afraid to show himself.
This was obviously because he feared the opponent's power.
Chen Nan couldn't blame him for that.
After all, they were merely acquaintances.
However!
Mulhard was now spewing platitudes and moralizing.
This was clearly treating Chen Nan's intelligence as if it were being ground into the dirt, a complete humiliation.
Mulhard's mouth bled from the blow, and his face turned pale. Yet, he quickly said, "Mr. Chen, you've misunderstood. I was actually on the phone..."
Before he could finish the word "phone."
He saw pairs of eyes filled with disdain.
Everyone considered him a fool.
At the same time.
He realized they were in a space ten meters underground.
There was no mobile signal here.
Clearly.
Claiming to be on the phone was a weak excuse that wouldn't convince anyone.
"Mulhard, you've truly disappointed me!" Claude didn't hide his anger. "Mr. Chen and his companion came to the exhibition with you. As such, you should have ensured their safety."
"Not allowed them to be bullied!"
"You may leave. From now on, you are on my blacklist!"
"Mr. Claude, please give me a chance!" Mulhard was filled with dread. He regretted not stepping forward when Xu Qingxin was being harassed earlier.
If he had, he would surely have earned Claude's favor.
Instead of being blacklisted!
Once on Claude's blacklist, he would be unable to establish himself in this circle!
"Escort Mulhard out!" Claude's expression was unreadable.
Soon, bodyguards approached, helped Mulhard up, and led him away from the exhibition hall.
No matter how much he pleaded, Claude remained unmoved.
Then, Claude turned to the other wealthy individuals and influential figures present. "Gentlemen, Mr. Chen is my esteemed guest."
"In the future, I hope you will all give me, Rockefeller Claude, some face within this circle."
He added his surname.
This was a significant gesture.
He was willing to pledge the honor and reputation of the Rockefeller family to pave the way for Chen Nan.
The important figures present all handed Chen Nan their business cards.
Although they didn't understand why Chen Nan commanded such importance from Claude,
They knew they had to show respect to Claude.
"Mr. Chen, feel free to view the exhibition today. Take anything you like." Claude's demeanor was humble. Chen Nan had saved his life, allowing him to become human again.
Even if he had to give Chen Nan all his assets, he wouldn't hesitate.
If others knew he had transformed from a vampire into a normal human, they would surely call him crazy.
After all, mortals only lived for a few decades.
Whereas vampires could live forever.
But for him, who had faith and believed in God.
Becoming a vampire was the ultimate blasphemy against God.
Therefore.
Even if he only had a few decades left to live, he would not betray his faith.
Chen Nan and Xu Qingxin began their tour with serious intent, eventually selecting several antiques from the East. Among them were two exquisite blue-and-white porcelain pieces.
There was also a Tang Dynasty sancai glazed pottery, and two ancient paintings.
These items were remarkably well-preserved, having been purchased at high prices by Claude from Sotheby's auction house.
They belonged to Da Xia.
Therefore.
Chen Nan intended to take them back.
Afterward, Chen Nan and Xu Qingxin departed first.
Upon reaching the entrance of the ancient castle, Chen Nan said to Claude, "Get this done quickly on your end. I'll arrange for someone at the airport to receive the Liangzhou Ding."
Claude replied respectfully, "Mr. Chen, rest assured. I will arrange for transportation and the necessary procedures tonight, aiming to have the Liangzhou Ding returned to Da Xia as soon as possible."
Just then.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom stopped in front of Chen Nan.
Claude, like a servant, reached out to open the car door.
Suddenly!
A white Rolls-Royce appeared in the distance.
Upon seeing the license plate, Claude gasped, his eyes filled with terror. "No, the Prince who bit me has arrived!"
"As soon as he gets close to me, he'll sense that the blood curse within me has been broken!"
"At that point, he will kill me."