Applause echoed across the room. I glanced at Ruth who simply beamed.
“We’ll begin the auction shortly. Please, kindly make your way to your seats,” he added.
I gave Ruth’s hand a gentle squeeze. “We’ll catch up after.”
She nodded, then let Kyu-hun guide her to their section.
Alec and I made our way down the aisle and slipped into two seats near the front just as the lights dimmed and the golden glow narrowed toward the stage.
On the screens, Ruth’s paintings continued to shift in a slow, elegant loop.
“We’re here tonight not only to support a rising star in the art world.” Victor paused and gestured at Ruth with a theatrical flair. “But also to support community-driven arts education through tonight’s auction. So bid boldly, bid generously... because every piece you win tonight is a
