Sophia Sullivan had just started her car when her phone rang.
The screen displayed Caleb Sullivan's name.
She answered the call, hearing the young man's excited voice.
"Ms. Sullivan, I called to thank you."
Caleb's voice trembled slightly.
"Thanks to you today, my comic suddenly gained many new readers."
"A publisher even reached out to me."
He knew all this was Sophia's doing.
Sophia smiled faintly.
"Don't thank me. Your talent is finally being recognized."
Her voice remained calm yet firm.
"Your artistic style is unique, just not mainstream."
"But that doesn't mean you lack skill."
Caleb fell silent on the other end.
After a pause, he spoke with emotion.
"No one's ever believed in me like this before."
"Ms. Sullivan, I promise I'll work harder."
He clutched the sketch tightly, his fingertips turning pale.
"There's... something I've wanted to ask."
Caleb hesitated before continuing.
"There's a healing-style comic artist from Italy with a style similar to yours."
"But he disappeared years ago..."
Sophia immediately understood his implication.
"You're asking about my identity?"
Caleb quickly denied.
"No! I just... greatly admire that artist."
"Seeing your work reminded me of him."
That simple sketch had revealed Sophia's true skill.
Only a master could casually produce work of that caliber.
Sophia chuckled lightly.
"I once used a pen name - September."
"Published two comics just for fun."
"Some discarded drafts got published by friends."
A sharp intake of breath came through the phone.
"September?! It's really you?"
Caleb's voice shook with awe.
He carefully pulled out the sketch from his pocket.
His idol had been beside him all along.
Sophia was the legendary artist.
"I haven't drawn in years. My skills are rusty."
Sophia spoke casually.
"No! Your work surpasses everyone else's!"
Caleb exclaimed passionately.
After calming down, he asked tentatively.
"Could I... still seek your guidance sometimes?"
"Of course."
Sophia agreed readily.
After hanging up, she drove to the Sullivan residence.
It was Sunday - she'd just finished Emma's pottery class that morning.
But the girl had seemed down lately, so Sophia promised an evening visit.
Entering the parlor, she found Ethan Sullivan on the sofa.
He looked up, his gaze intense.
"The book signing was quite lively today."
The man folded his newspaper.
"Every media outlet in the city showed up."
His voice carried lazy amusement.
"I suspect Ms. Sullivan's involvement."
Sophia sat across from him.
"Isabella helped. The Robinson name carries weight."
She paused, meeting Ethan's eyes directly.
"Though some reporters seemed affiliated with the Sullivans."
Ethan raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Julian Roscente joined in after hearing about Ms. Robinson's participation."
He dismissed it casually.
"I merely offered minor assistance."
Sophia's lips curved slightly.
"Thank you regardless, Mr. Sullivan."
Ethan suddenly produced his phone.
The screen displayed an adorable cat illustration.
His gaze burned into Sophia.
"Did you draw this, Ms. Sullivan?"