Logan Ray’s gaze fell on Mia Foster’s extended right hand, and he hesitated briefly before shaking it.
Titus Zane knew that he had a germ phobia, perhaps because the two of them had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, neither of them liked physical contact with the opposite sex.
"Is this the one you mentioned?" After greeting Logan Ray, Mia Foster warmly hooked Titus Zane’s arm and stood in front of the oil painting, scrutinizing it closely.
In fairness, she didn’t particularly type of portrait, especially such vivid ones; hanging it on the wall at home would feel like displaying someone else’s photo, which would feel quite awkward.
However, Mia Foster could tell that Titus Zane had a special relationship with the artist of the painting, so she nodded continuously in admiration, "Nice, I really like it."
The price tag was just fifty thousand, and she was willing to do a favor.
Mia Foster turned to Logan Ray again, smiling, "I’ve decided on this painting, you mustn’t sell it to anyone else at a higher price."
Logan Ray glanced at Titus Zane, then nodded slightly, saying, "Sorry, I intend to keep this painting for my private collection, it’s not for auction."
Originally not fond of the painting, she had only wanted to do Titus Zane a good turn, but who knew this man... would be so ungrateful!
Mia Foster was domineering herself, and upon hearing Logan Ray explain this way, she immediately showed some displeasure, her brows raised, looking at Logan Ray half-smiling.
"Sir, you must be joking, not selling? Why hang it up here then?"
"I’m sorry," Logan Ray nodded apologetically again, his lips maintaining a polite curve.
"I was thinking of auctioning it, but now I’ve changed my mind. How can I just casually sell my favorite depiction of a woman?"
She didn’t expect Logan Ray to explain it ; she turned to look at Titus Zane beside her, her expression slightly surprised, perhaps... she had... mistaken their relationship?
Could it be? She, who always prided herself on reading people accurately, how could it be...?
As for Titus Zane, his lower lip quivered as he tightly clenched it, his arm being held by Mia Foster trembling slightly.
Looking down, in fact, he had thought of it the moment Logan Ray said he wanted to keep it as a private collection, but hearing it directly from him shattered her last illusion of self-deception instantly.
"Are you okay?" Sensing something was off with Titus Zane, Mia Foster gently shook his arm, asking softly.
Titus Zane looked up, turned his face to Mia Foster, lifting the corners of his lips shakily, his voice slightly hoarse, "I’m fine."
Then he turned back to face Logan Ray, striving not to let his smile falter, extending his slender, pale hand.
Logan Ray lowered his gaze, staring at Titus Zane’s raised hand in the air, not moving for a long time, his dense eyelashes trembling, before he slowly extended his hand.
"Thank you," those two words, heavy and strained, Logan Ray gripped Titus Zane’s hand, holding it tightly, reluctant to let go.
Perhaps, this should be their last intimate contact.
Images of Titus Zane embraced by Nathan Moore would constantly appear before his eyes, and he couldn’t help but resent her choice, hating her selfishness, for selfishly leaving him alone.
"It’s getting late, I should go back," Titus Zane gently tugged his hand, and Logan Ray finally let go.
Turning around, facing an inquisitive Mia Foster, Titus Zane curved his lips, "Sorry, I wasn’t much help today,"
"No worries, I don’t really appreciate it anyway, buying it would be a waste, better leave it for someone who can appreciate it," Mia Foster said with a smile, releasing his arm, "Let’s go out for coffee sometime."
"Sure," Titus Zane responded politely, and then nodded slightly to both of them, quickly walking towards the exhibition hall’s main door.
Only she knew in her heart, even if she lingered a few more seconds, she would have inevitably burst into tears.
"Sir, you’ve broken a woman’s heart!" Mia Foster dropped the remark indifferently, then also turned and left.
Logan Ray withdrew his gaze, glanced at Mia Foster, then once again his gaze shifted towards the retreating figure.