Mia was momentarily stunted.
She had assumed James to be the type of aloof, solc businessman who rarely cracked a smile. She hadn’t expected that he actually had a sense of humor.
“Then should I thank you for complimenting me earlier?” Mia couldn’t help but chuckle.
Seeing her smile, James’s brows lifted slightly, a faint grin spreading across his face. “You finally smiled.”
Mia froze for a moment, her cheeks warming with a light blush, “I… I thought I’d been smiling all along.”
She had maintained a polite smile ever since Zoe had introduced her. A smile was the most basic social courtesy, something she had learned despite her modest upbringing and limited interactions with high society.
“You were,” James replied, his deep gaze fixed on hers, carrying a faint warmth. “But that was just a polite smile. Now, this is a genuine, happy smile.”
Mia’s heart fluttered at his words. How strange. They had only just met, yet it felt as though he could see through her every expression, every subtle emotion.
It was as if he could read the secrets she had kept buried for years, secrets she had never intended anyone to know.
Even though this was their first meeting, it felt strangely familiar–almost as if they had known each other for a long time.
“You should smile more,” James continued, his voice light but sincere. “You look truly stunning when you smile.”
When he spoke, he looked directly into her eyes, giving her the impression that his. compliments were genuine and heartfelt.
Flustered, Mia glanced down, avoiding his gaze. Thank you. You’re… not so bad yourself.”
As the words left her mouth, something clicked in her mind. She turned to her left, scanning the space.
Where had Zoe gone?
Her aunt had been standing right beside her just moments ago when she introduced her to James. But now, in the blink of an eye, she had disappeared.
“Just noticing your aunt is gone?” James chuckled at Mia’s reaction, leaning in ever so slightly. His tall frame seemed to envelop her petite one completely.
“A bit slow, aren’t you? Or maybe,” his voice softened with teasing amusement, “Miss
18 BONUT
Larson’s attention has been so entirely focused on me that you missed everything else?”
Min fece flushed a deep shade of red. “Who say I was looking for my aunt? I wasn’t!” she protested, her volce defensive. “I noticed she left ages agol”
“Oh? Then what were you looking for just now?” he asked, one brow arched in playful curiosity.
