"Hi, are you the one who contacted me about the ebony cabinet?" Ryan asked, his tone as natural as he could manage.
The woman looked up, her face lighting up with a polite and composed smile that carried a hint of warmth. "Yes, that's me. You must be Ryan?"
"That's right," he replied with a nod before adding, "The cabinet is in my car. I can bring it over anytime you're ready to take a look."
"Perfect." She stood gracefully, her movements efficient yet soft. Extending her hand for a brief handshake, she introduced herself, "I'm Emma, the buyer for the cabinet."
Ryan noted her concise introduction, but there was a sense of calm confidence in her tone that made her presence feel larger than life. Her outfit—an impeccably tailored white blouse and dark gray trousers—combined with a subtle hint of a sophisticated fragrance, added to her air of understated elegance.
As her hand lowered, Ryan's gaze briefly caught on the watch adorning her wrist. It was a stunning piece, refined yet intricate, featuring a sun-moon complication and encircled by a delicate halo of diamonds. Its minimalist yet luxurious design seemed to perfectly complement her composed demeanor.
Out of curiosity, and in an attempt to ease the atmosphere, Ryan discreetly activated the system, directing his focus toward the watch:
"Item: Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Night and Day
Material: 18K Rose Gold, Mother-of-Pearl Dial, Diamond-Set Bezel
Market Value: Approximately $45,000."
Ryan's stomach did a little flip. Without the system, he would have had no idea about the specifics of the watch—let alone its hefty price tag. He swallowed his nerves and forced himself to appear calm as he said, "That's a beautiful watch. Is it the Rendez-Vous series by Jaeger-LeCoultre? The day-night indicator is a really elegant touch."
Emma looked briefly surprised but then smiled with genuine appreciation. "You're absolutely right. It's the Rendez-Vous Night & Day. Not many people recognize it, especially since it's not as mainstream as other brands. Do you follow high-end watches?"
Ryan let out a modest laugh, trying to downplay the panic he felt over being called out. "I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I do enjoy learning about unique designs and the craftsmanship behind them. It's fascinating to see the work that goes into pieces like yours."
Emma studied him thoughtfully, her expression softening. She had initially pegged him as just another young man fresh into the working world, perhaps someone looking to make a quick sale. But the way he recognized her watch and spoke with genuine interest intrigued her.
"It's rare to meet someone who notices details like this," she said, her tone carrying a note of admiration. "You clearly have an eye for craftsmanship."
As they walked toward Ryan's car, the conversation flowed more easily. Emma broke the silence with a question: "You seem to appreciate fine craftsmanship. Would you say you're interested in antiques as well?"
Ryan glanced at her curiously. "I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I do find antiques fascinating. Why do you ask?"
"I work as an antique restorer and collector," Emma explained, her voice calm yet filled with quiet passion. "Pieces like the ebony cabinet you've brought today are exactly the type I love. Restoration isn't just about making them look beautiful—it's about preserving their history, their stories."
"That sounds incredibly detailed—and challenging," Ryan said sincerely. "Restoration must take a lot of patience."
Emma nodded, her gaze distant as if recalling a memory. "It does. And not just patience—it requires a deep understanding of the era, the materials, and the techniques used to create the piece. Sometimes, just sourcing the right type of wood or fabric can take weeks or months. But when you finally bring an item back to life, it's worth every second."
"Have you worked on anything particularly interesting recently?" Ryan asked, intrigued.
Emma's lips curved into a small smile. "One project stands out—a 17th-century French writing desk. Its carvings were exquisite, but years of neglect had left it damaged. Restoring it required meticulous research and months of work. But seeing it restored to its former glory—it's an indescribable feeling."
Ryan nodded, genuinely impressed. "It sounds like you put a lot of heart into your work. I never realized restoration could be such an intricate process."
Emma tilted her head slightly, observing him. "Every antique is unique, and I believe it's important to honor that uniqueness. I can tell you appreciate that, too."
By the time they reached Ryan's car, the conversation had shifted into an easy rhythm. Ryan opened the trunk and carefully lifted the wrapped cabinet.
"Let me help," Emma offered, stepping forward.
Ryan quickly shook his head. "That's alright—I've got it. It's heavier than it looks."
Emma stepped back with a soft laugh, allowing him to take charge. Ryan carefully unwrapped the cabinet and placed it down for her to inspect. Emma knelt slightly, running her fingers over the smooth wood and intricate carvings. Her sharp eye studied every detail, from the grain of the wood to the delicate craftsmanship of the joints.
"This is in excellent condition," she finally said, standing back up. "It's even better than I had hoped."
Ryan felt a wave of relief wash over him and allowed himself a small smile. "I'm glad it meets your expectations."
Emma reached into her bag, pulling out her phone. She quickly typed in a few commands before glancing up. "I've sent the payment to your account. Please confirm that it's gone through."
Ryan pulled out his phone, and within moments, a notification popped up confirming the deposit. He glanced at her and nodded. "Got it. Thank you."
Emma seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if deliberating something. Then, with a small smile, she said, "You know, there's a private collectors' exhibition happening next week. It's mostly antique enthusiasts like me. If you're interested, I'd be happy to bring you along. You might enjoy seeing some of the pieces there."
Ryan considered the offer, then nodded. "That sounds amazing. I'd love to go."
"Great," Emma replied, her tone warm yet authoritative. "I'll send you the details later this week."
Ryan glanced at his phone one more time, then back at Emma. In the past few days, everything about his life had felt chaotic and uncertain. But standing here now, he realized this encounter had brought more than just a completed task—it had given him a glimpse of something bigger.