THE ART OF REDEMPTION

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d you prepare these papers?" Alex asked, a bit confused. "Sir, you don't need to feel confused. You know I have your back. You don't need to ruin your reputation painting a mural for someone you don't even know. Clara no longer has any connection to the studio since her lease had expired. You legally acquired the place and these documents prove everything. You can call off the mural and take full ownership of the studio", Valery replied. Alex looked at the documents again. He couldn't understand why he wasn't happy about this. He was not someone to be sentimental about things concerning business so why did he feel like he had grown a conscience over night? "Thank you, Valery. But, I was thinking, why don't we continue with the mural? I own the space and right now, there's nothing there. If she moves out of the place, she's going to take her art with her and I'll have to start calling our artists outside Lirena to send art to be put on display. And that would take two or even three months to achieve", Alex replied. Valery couldn't understand why Alex spoke this way. This was unlike him. The man she knew would have congratulated her and hosted a celebratory dinner on her behalf but now, he was thinking for himself and bearing another stranger in mind whilst doing so. "But sir, getting art won't be a problem. I'll make arrangements. I'm less than two weeks, we'll have everything settled. Trust me on this, Alex", Valery tried to convince him. Alex looked up at her. "It's 'sir' to you, miss Valery" he said pushing the documents away. "I'm sorry, sir. It wouldn't happen again", she replie