A bitter smile twisted Caleb Sullivan's lips.
"Of course I do."
His voice was heavy with resignation.
Over the years, he'd created countless artworks.
Not one had achieved success.
He could barely make ends meet.
Sophia Sullivan's gaze remained steady.
"I can mentor you."
Her tone left no room for doubt.
"Make your work famous."
Caleb froze.
Noah Valentine was currently the hottest manga artist.
Sophia's promise sounded impossible.
Then he remembered the painting she'd just created.
Every stroke had been masterfully precise.
Undeniably professional.
"You don't owe me this," Caleb hesitated.
"I have my reasons."
Sophia produced a discreet earpiece from her bag.
"I need your help with something."
She extended the device.
"In return, I'll connect you with publishers."
Caleb blinked.
He'd never believed in free lunches.
"If it's something illegal—"
"Just exposing a fraud."
Sophia's voice was ice.
With so many media present today,
As Breeze Perfumes' director,
Her direct involvement could damage the company.
Better to let someone else wield the knife.
She outlined her plan.
"Noah's recent works lack refinement."
"Crude imitations at best."
Sophia locked eyes with Caleb.
"Because he stole my discarded drafts."
Caleb's jaw dropped.
Noah was a legend in the manga world.
The claim seemed outrageous.
Yet when he thought back,
Noah's later works did contain glaring flaws.
While Sophia's painting just now...
Its style bore uncanny resemblance to Noah's signature sequences.
Suddenly, Caleb understood his earlier sense of déjà vu.
He drew a sharp breath.
"If this is true, I'll help."
"But we have no proof."
Sophia shook the earpiece.
"The drafts are in his possession."
She knew Noah's habits well.
"I'll make him reveal himself."
Caleb hesitated.
Accusing without evidence
Might lead to public humiliation.
But his instincts told him
Sophia's artwork didn't lie.
He took the device.
"I'll do it."
He had nothing left to lose.
Might as well gamble everything.