Ethan Grant noticed something different about Ava and casually said,
"Miss Collins gave me two oil paintings. Helping you was no trouble at all."
It sounded like a perfectly reasonable explanation.
Ava wondered if she was overthinking things again.
Ethan added,
"Besides, I don't really see it as helping. Once your training's done, you'll be restoring oil paintings and porcelain on your own. I'll probably be asking you for help soon enough."
That one sentence put her at ease.
She smiled politely.
"Mr. Grant, you're too kind."
Ethan's gaze darkened slightly.
"Just call me Ethan. 'Mr. Grant' feels too formal."
Even though he said that, Ava didn't dare be too casual with him.
After all, she had someone at home who treated Ethan like a walking red flag—jealous, suspicious, and always on alert.
She had no interest in stirring up trouble.
James Lee, who had been sitting quietly nearby, cleared his throat and said,
