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Chapter 18

Author: Blanc Ball
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-23 11:25:05
James Hawthorne had purchased five of Mia’s paintings at the impressive price of half a million dollars each. With such a significant patron, it was only right for Mia to personally thank him.

Accompanied by Zoe, Mia approached James.

“Mr. Hawthorne, it’s been a while,” Zoe greeted him warmly, clearly familiar with the man. “I never expected someone as busy as you to take time out of your day to support my niece.”

James offered a faint smile. “It just so happens I had the day off.”

Zoe gestured toward Mia with pride. “This is my niece, Mia Larson. She’s an exceptionally talented artist, and all the pieces in this exhibition were created by her.”

Mia blushed at the praise and spoke modestly. “Aunt Zoe, you’re exaggerating. I just paint whatever comes to mind.”

“You have remarkable talent,” James said, turning slightly to gaze at a landscape painting behind him. His voice carried a calm authority as he remarked, “Take this one, for example. Though it depicts mountains and uses warm
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  • Moving On Without You   Chapter 19

    Mia was momentarily stunned. She had assumed James to be the type of aloof, stoic 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 expressi

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