Jeremy was surprised by Maggie's behavior but one thing became evident, she and his uncle were up to something.
'He avoided her when we were dating, so what changed? He's up to something...but it wouldn't be to sabotage my relationship with Linda, I mean he was also in agreement with this union, so what is it?', he pondered as he watched Maggie march out of the event. She didn't even bother staying, her plan was ruined and on top of that, she was humiliated in front of the cameras. So, how can she stay?
Jeremy bent down to whisper in Linda's ear, "I can't believe she's going to leave like that.. ",
Feeling sorry for her, Linda asked, "If it were you... What would you do? Stay? I mean her date just disgustedly walked away from her and she just found out that her dress was worn by her least favorite person last year, so what would you do?"
He gently kissed her forehead, and then looked at her lovingly, "This...this is why I love you. I mean anyone can see that she came here to embarrass you but look at you, feeling sorry for her.", he sprung back to his tall posture, "But still, I don't know hey... I mean it's just a dress..."
Linda tensed her face trying to hide her red cheeks, she pierced at Jeremy, "It's more than that...way more than that. I just can't figure out whether it's ego or a love thing... but all I know is, it's beyond the dress...", and her voice was suddenly filled with sadness and disgust. It was clear to her as well that Tony was using Maggie to get to her, but she was more angry at her uncle John for going along with such a petty plan, 'How can he use an innocent's person emotions like that?'.
Seeing the gloominess that suddenly washed over her face, Jeremy worriedly took her hand and whispered, "Smile...the cameras are still watching and your face is becoming too tense...",
Linda chuckled, "Please... my tense face is my brand... more than that, I'm sure they are more surprised by my smile - I am the Ice queen...remember?", and he smiled, 'I think I might love her more than I think I do...'
After a few more poses and answering questions about the event, Linda then led Jeremy inside to the first hall where all the art was heavenly displayed just like in the gallery, in fact, if he didn't know better, he would've mistaken it for a gallery and the event for an art exhibition. There were some of the gallery employees who were explaining the pieces to those who seemed interested in buying while the waitresses and waiters dashingly walked around with their tray of drinks in their black and white attires. He chuckled remembering what Linda said about making sure the attendees' glasses remained full so they could spend more,
"What are you chuckling about?", Linda asked confused,
He was about to respond but his eyes suddenly landed on his art piece, which he had completely forgotten about and it was being admired by a lot of people, which left him in even more shock,
"Oh my God... that is my piece...",
Linda chuckled, "Why are you surprised?? I told you your work was good...",
He cleared his throat clearly still taken aback by the reception his work was getting, "I know... It's just that, I've never seen so many people take an interest... it's kind of exhilarating...And worrisome... like right now... I'm wondering what they are thinking, is it good enough? Is it symmetrical? "
He was overwhelmed by emotions, he had never had his work shown in such events and he took it lightly, but seeing the number of people who seemed interested made his heart swell up with emotions, he really couldn't be more grateful to Linda for the experience.
"I wonder what they are thinking?", he said with a voice filled with excitement and anticipation
"They are thinking how come they've never seen this work before...and where has this artist been hiding? And how did Linda discover him or her...? It's all good things I assure you...", Jeremy's eyes lit up seeing his aunt behind him and talking about his work. He always wondered about her reaction, and it was finally happening. He wondered if his mother would have a similar reaction, his eyes became watery, "Do you think mom would love it?"
"Let me leave you two, I need to go take care of my organizational duties....please take care of him, and babe, don't be scared to go talk to them...it's your work. Be proud of it, I knew they would love it. I am just glad you get to see it too.", she kissed him on the cheek before turning to walk away.
Jin Ae squinted her eyes at Jeremy, "Babe? Kiss on the cheek? In public, what changed?"
"Let's just say a certain conversation was had and it seems we both have the same goal....but back to my question, would mother love it?
"Hmmm, same goal you said. But YES!, she would love it and I'm glad I came and I am glad Linda convinced you to auction it. It also proves that you do deserve to run that gallery in Paris...I really hope you consider-"
"-not the right place nor time aunt, too many ears... ". He was worried about his uncle, and his aunt nodded with a smile, "Okay, let's go talk to your potential fans...", she accompanied him to where his art piece was displayed.
After an hour of networking and mingling, the second door to a big hall was finally opened and in it were big round dinner tables beautifully set up overlooking a stage with a big screen showing the art pieces and live bidding.
"Wow!", Jeremy exclaimed,
"Yeah, the Kings sure do know how to set up a dinner table...", his aunt replied condescendingly
Unaware of the hostility in Jin Ae's voice, he replied innocently, "That I know...but still, it's really breathtaking, you can see the amount of effort that was put into this place...."
"Oh, and you are not just saying that because your fiancé was the organizer right??", she teased
He laughed assessing the ticket in his hand, "It says here our table is number 2", and he gently dragged her to their table where they found Sello, Jackie, Sharon, and 3 members of the King family already seated. The air instantly became hostile and tense,
"Great! Now I remember why I always avoided this event", Jin Ae murmured, "This is going to be a long night."
Seeing everyone's demeanor and the heavy mood at the table, Sharon snapped, "No! You will all put your differences aside, this is about Linda..."
Freddy impulsively sighed heavily, "The table is like this because of Linda...", causing everyone's attention to fall on him.
"What do you mean Freddy?", Sharon asked, "What is wrong with you today, you seem oddly irritated..."