Chapter 17
Diana stared at Howard, totally floored. When they first met, he seemed so above it all, like he didn’t care about anything. She never thought he’d
be into relationships.
“Maybe,” Diana said, not really sure.
Actually, there was another gem that was better for relationships.
Thinking this, Diana’s eyes landed on a moon–shaped gem.
Just then, Howard reached out, picked up that gem, and handed it to her. “This is for you.”
“I can’t take it, it’s too valuable!” Diana was shocked and kept refusing.
“It’s Grandma’s idea.” After spending the past few days together, Howard had figured out Diana’s personality.
Diana was super stubborn and had strong principles about some things. But when it came to Sophia, she wasn’t as tough.
Sure enough, when Howard mentioned Sophia, Diana hesitated.
“Alright, I’ll take it,” Diana said, giving in.
Howard grinned, feeling pretty pleased. “Okay, I’ll get someone to carve it a bit more and then give it to you.”
Diana had no objections and nodded.
That evening, Diana showed up at the restaurant as planned and met the new guy from the antique shop.
Joshua introduced him with a smile, “Ms. Getty, this is our new employee, Benjamin White. He’s eighteen.”
Hearing he was so young, Diana gave Benjamin White a curious look.
Benjamin noticed Diana’s gaze, smiled shyly, and blinked his big round eyes. “Ms. Getty, I heard from Mr. Thomas that you’re really good at restoring ancient paintings. Can I learn from you?”
“No.” Diana shot him down right away. She never thought about taking on a student.
“Alright then,” Benjamin said, a bit bummed, but then his eyes lit up as he looked at Diana and asked, “Can I call you Diana?”
Diana hesitated for a moment and then nodded.
Hearing this, Benjamin smiled sweetly,
When he first heard Joshua mention someone really skilled at restoring ancient paintings was coming to the shop, he thought it would be a serious, old–fashioned woman. He didn’t expect such a beautiful woman.
Joshua happily served the dishes and then said to Diana, “Ms. Getty, besides having dinner, there’s something else I need to tell you today.”
“What is it?” Diana asked, putting a piece of meat into her mouth.
“Today, Mr. Martin from Heritage Auctions brought a famous painting and wants it restored,” Joshua replied.
Diana paused while eating. “How bad is the damage?
It’s better than the last painting you restored. I estimate that if fully restored, it could sell for five million dollars. But I think Mr. Martin intends to auction it, so the final price will likely be even higher,” Joshua added, “Ms. Getty, will you take this job?”
Of course.” Diana smiled and said, “When do I start?
“Tomorrow, if you want to.”
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Chapter 17
“Okay.”
X
After that, Diana and Joshua didn’t talk about work anymore and just chatted casually.
Sitting beside them, Benjamin was even more attentive, serving Diana food. His bright, clear eyes sparkled with admiration when he looked at
her.
After dinner, Benjamin persistently asked for Diana’s contact information.
Holding his phone, Benjamin grinned from ear to ear, already scheming up ways to ask Diana out next time.
Yep, Benjamin had fallen head over heels for Diana the moment he saw her.
Diana didn’t think much of it. Since Benjamin worked for Joshua, giving him her contact info would make it easier to get jobs in the future.
The next day, Diana headed to the antique shop and checked out the painting that needed restoring.
It was huge, like several dozen feet long, showing a landscape with delicate brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
Standing in front of the massive painting, Diana was in awe of its size. Luckily, the damage wasn’t too bad; otherwise, fixing it would be even tougher than the last one.
But because of its size and value, it was definitely a collector’s dream.
After thinking it over, Diana asked Benjamin to bring her the paints for restoration and got to work.
When she worked, Diana didn’t like having people around. So Benjamin stood outside, peeking through a crack in the door, while Joshua just shook his head.
*Benjamin, do you like Ms. Getty?” After watching for a while, Joshua noticed Benjamin was being extra attentive to Diana.
Benjamin: blushed and nodded shyly.
Joshua sighed and patted Benjamin’s shoulder, “I don’t know Ms. Getty well outside of work, but she’s not just anyone. Her skills and character are something else. Benjamin, you’re still young. Don’t get too caught up in love.”
Joshua said this because he didn’t want Benjamin to get overwhelmed by relationship stuff at such a young age, thinking Diana wasn’t someone just anyone could pursue.
But Benjamin didn’t really listen.
When Diana finished her work for the day and was packing up to head back to the Spencer Villa, Benjamin blocked her way.
“Diana, let’s have dinner together tonight,” Benjamin said nervously,
Diana paused and flatly refused. “Sorry, I have to go home for dinner.”
“Well,” Benjamin said, disappointment flashing in his eyes.
He wanted to say more, but Diana had already walked past him and out the door.
“What are you doing here?” Howard asked.
A limited edition Bentley pulled up in front of Diana, and the rear window rolled down, revealing Howard’s handsome face.
“Work, Diana said flatly.
A look of surprise flashed in Howard’s deep eyes. It seemed he had never really understood what Diana did for a living.
His gaze swept over the antique shop behind Diana, and his lips pressed together, realizing Diana was hiding something from him.
“Diaha, I…” Benjamin caught up, staring blankly at Howard sitting in the luxury car.
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Chapter 17
Howard immediately saw through Benjamin’s thoughts and felt a bit uncomfortable.
The moon–shaped gem hadn’t even been given to Diana yet, and someone already liked her. If she wore it, it would attract even more admirers.
Thinking of this, Howard’s lips curled into a faint smile.
He got out of the car, gently wrapped his arm around Diana’s waist, and said softly, “Honey, I’ve prepared a candlelight dinner. Let’s go home.”
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