The room froze.
The name was recognized immediately.
Daniel Whitmore was not just a collector.
He was the billionaire investor who had built a global technology empire before dedicating billions of dollars toward education, art preservation, and community development.
The auction everyone had been waiting for?
It was being funded by his foundation.
The paintings displayed throughout the museum?
Many had been donated from his private collection.
Richard's confidence disappeared.
“I... I didn’t realize.”
Daniel looked at him calmly.
“That is exactly the point.”
Richard lowered his head.
“I apologize.”
Daniel looked around the room.
“Would you have apologized if I was not wealthy?”