Chapter 45: Vincent Astor

After parting ways with Rick, Nicole couldn't help but reflect, "I've always thought that those who claim not to value money were lying. But today, I unexpectedly met someone who really fits that description. If I were in his shoes, I would have eagerly embraced my family!"

"So, it's true that there are as many opinions as there are people. Each individual has a unique perspective on matters. Some believe that more money is better, while others see money as something that just needs to cover expenses!" Mona, in response, shifted the focus of the conversation: "Furthermore, how can you be sure he's telling the truth? Couldn't it be that he's just bragging?"

Honestly, Nicole hadn't considered this question before, so she was caught off guard by Mona's query. But she quickly retorted, "Um, from my judgment of people, I believe Rick is telling the truth! And what does he gain from lying to us? It's not like he benefits from it!"

"As you said, that's your perspective, and it can't be a hundred percent accurate. Mistakes happen. Also, lying might serve a purpose. For instance, if I wanted to please him, I might even buy one of his paintings!" Mona countered playfully.

Then, realizing the slight extremism in his argument, Mona sought to make amends: "Of course, this scenario is quite extreme. All in all, I tend to think that Rick is an honest young man!"

"Hmph, you've covered all the angles with your words!" Nicole teased, then curiously asked, "By the way, do you really think Rick's paintings are good?"

"At present, I'd say his paintings are imaginative, but they haven't reached a high level of quality. If you compare his work to the two Picasso pieces I have in my collection at home, you'd easily notice his shortcomings." Mona explained.

"Um, to be honest, I didn't see anything special in that Picasso painting you mentioned. I couldn't even figure out what it depicted!" Nicole commented.

"You claim to be someone involved in art, yet your evaluation is as basic as that of an average person? Let me ask you this: Does a loud voice and a high pitch in an opera necessarily mean the singer is good? The same principle applies to our field of painting. Not looking alike doesn't equate to not being good.

Appreciating art requires a certain level of understanding. Some fields are very approachable, like music and painting. They're not as intimidating as calculus or the law of universal gravitation, but that doesn't mean they're simple. One can't just casually engage and learn without any effort.

Sometimes, our artistic explorations transcend the era and common understanding, much like when we evaluate Nietzsche. Being half a step ahead makes you a genius, but being one step ahead might lead people to see you as a madman. Only after many years, when the public accepts such artistic styles, can they truly comprehend your struggles."

Before Mona could finish his musings, Nicole impatiently stood up and exclaimed, "Alright, alright, you get lost in this every time. Let's just go shopping!"

As Mona and Nicole continued strolling through the streets, Rick had already returned home. He had intended to share his excitement about meeting Mona and gaining recognition with his girlfriend Dasha. However, to his surprise, he found Dasha sitting intimately with a young man who seemed familiar. With a cold tone, he asked, "Dasha, who is this man?"

The young man stood up and introduced himself, "Hello, Mr. Rick. Allow me to introduce myself. I am called Vincent Astor."

"What?! You're Vincent, the elder brother?" Rick asked in astonishment.

However, Vincent waved his hand and remarked, "Mr. Rick, please mind your words. There is no familial relationship between us."

Rick retorted, "But we both share the same father, Astor the Fourth!"

"Yet, how can you prove that? Is it solely based on this pocket watch?" Vincent questioned as he shook a gold pocket watch in his hand.

This gold pocket watch had been carried by Astor the Fourth throughout his life, so most people familiar with him recognized it. It was an important piece of evidence for Rick's claim to be recognized as part of the family, even though he hadn't intended to pursue this recognition. Nevertheless, he had kept it well. (In history, after this gold pocket watch was salvaged, it was claimed by Vincent and worn as a memorial to his father.)

He then pressed further, "How did this watch end up with you?"

Vincent didn't answer but cast a glance at Dasha. She stood up, holding Vincent's arm, and replied, "I gave it to him!"

"Why, Dasha? Why did you do this?" Rick asked incredulously.

Dasha gave Rick a deep look before responding, "Because you've disappointed me greatly, Rick. Initially, I thought you were joking when you told me you didn't want to join the Astor family. But later, I realized you were serious. And you kept painting those incomprehensible and unsellable paintings all the time. If I continue to follow you like this, I'll end up starving!"

"But you were the one who said you'd work while I focused on my art!" Rick replied with a sense of injustice.

Dasha sighed and said, "Alright, Rick. Let me be clear with you today. I started following you because I valued your status as Astor family's illegitimate child. I thought that once you entered the Astor family, we'd enjoy a comfortable life together. As for what I said about working while you focused on your art, that was just to win your favor. I never expected you, this naive fellow, to take it seriously. Have you ever considered whether there would be women stupid enough in this world to do that? Well, maybe not. If even someone as foolish as you exists, having another foolish woman isn't all that surprising!"

"So, you gave this gold pocket watch to Vincent?" Rick asked with a cold expression.

"In truth, my original intention was to help you claim recognition from the family, but..."

Before Dasha could finish speaking, Vincent interjected, "Even if you had presented me with this watch, I wouldn't have acknowledged you as my brother. Given the chaotic circumstances at that time, this watch could easily have been something you picked up or even stole!"

"I didn't steal it. Father gave it to me after recognizing me!" Rick protested loudly.

"Your words hold no meaning, Mr. Rick. Even if Father gave you this gold pocket watch, it wouldn't matter. Do you know how much inheritance I received after Father's passing? A whopping 63 million dollars. How could I possibly acknowledge another brother to share my inheritance?" Vincent stated firmly.