Early that morning, Ava got up and set off.
The driver took her to an old store in the heart of the Washington antique district—Lee's Curio Pavilion. The shop was run by James Lee, an old-school collector and restorer with a solid reputation in the field of porcelain and historical art restoration.
It was a significant day for Ava—James had officially agreed to mentor her. Although there was no traditional apprenticeship ceremony, gaining recognition from a senior figure in this field was a rare show of trust and affirmation.
James had even invited his old friend, historical restoration expert Blake Belson, to witness this "new professional beginning."
At exactly ten o'clock, they met in the office at the back of the shop. It was a warmly furnished space, the air filled with the scent of aged wood and coffee. Shelves were lined with antique catalogs, and a few pieces of porcelain were quietly displayed under soft lights.
