The aft exhibition was a resounding success.
Mia showcased 51 paintings, and by the end of the first day, 33 had already been sold. Most fetched prices between $10,000 and $50,000, but the five purchased by James were in a league. of their own, with each selling for an astounding $500,000.
“Can you believe James paid ten times the price for your paintings?” Zoe teased Mia as she tallied up the exhibition’s income and expenses at evening. “Mla, do you think he’s interested in you?”
“Of course not.” Mia, completely focused on the nancials, brushed off the remark without a second thought. “He’s probably just a flirt who can’t resist sweet–talking young women.”
Zoe’s eyes widened in disbelief, her expression completely shocked. “Are you kidding me? James is practically legendary in his circles as the mattainable ideal. His personal life is spotless. He’s never been linked to questionable women, and he never brings a date to any major events,”
“Really?” Mia finally looked up from the calculator, her interest piqued. “Then why would he
Mid–sentence, she suddenly realized where her thoughts were headed and clammed up, unwilling to finish the question.
“Why would he flirt with me like that? And so openly?” she thought to herself.
Zoe, however, caught on immediately. Zoe’s face lit up with a mischievous, knowing smile. ” Why what? Did he try to flirt with you?”
Mia’s cheeks turned bright red as she fumbled for a distraction. Grabbing the calculator and receipts, she quickly changed the subject. “Aunt Zoe, look at this! The pastries from the restaurant were so expensive. Just one day of desserts cost us $10,000!”
“Michelin–starred restaurants are expensive–its expected,” Zoe replied casually, before smoothly steering the conversation back to gossip. “But I think it’s pretty obvious that James is definitely interested in you. He’ll probably ask you out soon, and if he does, you should absolutely say yes.
“A woman’s youth is fleeting,” Zoe continued with a playful grin. “You should enjoy love. while you’re young–just the romance, of course! There’s no need to rush into marriage, You’ve only just come back to me, and I’m not ready to let you go again so soon.”
