Since, effective with the first exchange of text messages indicating a difference of views vis a vis the price, no contract existed, I had no obligation to complete the contract.
To have proceeded, knowing there was an explicit disagreement on critical terms, and then fail to pay the provider's asking price would be "larceny by trick".
A gentleman would not do that.
He would acknowledge the dissolution of the contractual agreement and either:
- Accept the provider's counteroffer, or
- Withdraw, and offer to cover the provider's incidental damages.