[ He can practically feel her starting to agree more and more with every second that passes. Though she's always been good at holding out, weighing her options and the plan that's been laid in front of her.

Which is why it always feels like a particularly satisfying win when she finally agrees to one of his plans. Even better when it's a relatively quick agreement, without hours of heated back and forth as they've occasionally done.

He'd count this one as a fast one. For them. ]

No, and he doesn't need to. I've spent significant time cooking up three more schemes for him to run with. He'll get his money with or without the painting as a bonus.