I Became My Son's First Love

Chapter 30

Dane no longer lingered after consuming the sweets and bid Eve farewell.

"I can't afford to lose the points I've recently gained. Should we part for the day?"

"I don't mind parting, but I disagree with your previous statement. You haven't earned any points back."

"Really? Wasn't it a moment pleasing to both the eyes and the palate?"

Eve gazed at Dane, stunned.

Dane laughed haughtily.

"Surely, the pleasure for the eyes doesn't mean what I think it does?"

"You're always so clever," Dane observed, utilizing his good looks with a sophisticated giggle.

Eve, like she always did, believed Dane had a thick face.

Eve felt it was best not to continue the conversation after a few more verbal exchanges.

"I liked the dessert. Then I'll leave right away."

"Come on, Eve. I will write you another letter."

Eve turned down Dane's offer to wait for her carriage and sent him out first.

Dane drew unwanted attention while waiting for her carriage outside the shop.

Anna, who had been holding an umbrella next to Eve as Dane's familiar carriage took him away, spoke up.

"Madam, should we cancel the next schedule as well?"

Eve groaned, recalling the plan she almost forgot about because of Dane's influence.

"No, the exhibition hasn't ended yet, has it?"

"No, there's still time."

Eve climbed aboard the carriage, which had come just in time.

She had planned to go to an exhibition of a budding artist she was supporting before scheduling the meeting with Dane.

Though fatigued and not confined to today, she realized she'd be dealing with letters for a while, given the attention from the street and the expected articles that would follow.

Eve nodded to Anna, who informed the coachman of her decision.

"Proceed as planned."

Anna, sitting next to Eve, voiced alarm as the carriage moved.

"You appear to be exhausted. Isn't it better to rest when we get back?"

"I think it's better to go since we're already out."

"Understood. The program has been slightly pushed back, but it is a tranquil period so that you can enjoy the exhibition comfortably."

"Good."

Eve dismissed Dane's speech from her mind and gazed out the window, not wishing to talk about the Count Hound any longer today.

🎋🎋🎋

Eve's sponsorship of Rose, a talented painter from a commoner family, began easily enough.

As a countess, she had few options for respectable pastimes that wouldn't stain the countess's name.

Eve selected one that would help her reputation.

Fortunately, her instincts were correct, as the painters she sponsored gained renown, and the works they gave her increased in value.

Eve sought other musicians to help once her protégés succeeded and new sponsors arose.

It was unnecessary to give money to individuals who no longer required it.

As a result, various painters came under her patronage.

None, however, enthralled her as much as Rose.

Eve smiled as she met the middle-aged man.

"Rose."

"Countess."

"I'm not a countess anymore, so just calling me 'Madam' or 'My Lady' would be better."

Eve, feeling a tinge of sorrow for the painter Rose because of the advantages he had previously gained by being associated with the Hound name, decided to let him return to his visitors.

"Go ahead and take your time looking around. You appear to have other guests to attend to."

When Rose insisted on joining her, Eve politely but firmly indicated her desire to tour the exhibition alone, having become tired of the public's attention.

Rose eventually gave up and stepped back.

Eve gave him a little grin before turning to face Anna.

"Let's go, Ana."

"Yes, Madam."

Eve wandered lazily through the art gallery.

The calm afternoon made it easy to contemplate the paintings.

Even though she had seen them before the exhibition, the change in venue and lighting provided a new perspective on the artworks.

Eve began to feel more at ease as she browsed through the gallery.

She frequently took long pauses to admire a particular painting.

Rose's great use of vivid primary colors, which created a beautiful effect, was one of the reasons she decided to sponsor him.

In particular, a painting of a sunset sky displayed Rose's distinct color pallet and drew Eve's attention.

When Eve turned to Anna, the latter swiftly signed next to the frame using a pen she had gotten from the gallery personnel, signifying Eve's intention to purchase the painting.

Someone addressed Eve just as she was ready to move on to the next piece of art.

"Are you planning to buy that painting?"

Eve turned around to see a woman with platinum blonde hair that was neatly styled looking down at her.

When she made eye contact with Eve, the woman, who appeared to be in her thirties, smiled softly.

"I like this painting a lot. Would you mind giving it to me instead?"

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