Vincent Lowell stared at Sophia Sullivan with piercing eyes.
He was absolutely certain she was lying.
"Master David has restored similar paintings before," Vincent said mockingly. "It took him seven days and nights to complete just ninety percent of the restoration."
His implication was clear—how could she possibly surpass a master?
Sophia remained calm.
"Can't you do it?" she countered.
Vincent's face flushed instantly.
Of course he couldn't!
If he had Master David's skills, he wouldn't still be in this position.
But he couldn't admit that.
"Master David is a true expert. I can't compare," Vincent forced out through gritted teeth.
Sophia found it amusing.
Incompetent yet unwilling to admit it—only his pride remained.
"Your skills are lacking. You can barely manage a partial restoration," Sophia said coolly. "If you continue, this painting will be ruined."
Her words struck Mr. Winston Sr. like a hammer to the chest.
Vincent snapped back, "If I can't do it, can you?"
He stood up and gestured mockingly toward the painting.
"By all means, show us your skills, Miss Sullivan. Let's see if you can outdo Master David!"
Sophia didn't move, as if considering.
Vincent mistook her hesitation for fear and grew bolder.
"Changed your mind?"
"What if I said I could?"
"Then I'll kneel and call you 'Grandma,' and acknowledge you as my teacher!"
His tone dripped with disdain.
Someone from the team tried to intervene, but Vincent silenced them with a glare.
At this point, Sophia had no choice but to step forward.
"No need for the teacher part. You're not qualified," Sophia said as she approached. "But I'll take that 'Grandma.'"
Mr. Winston Sr. asked, "Are you sure, my dear?"
He trusted Sophia never made empty boasts.
If she said she could, she could.
Sophia smiled. "Yes."
She picked up the tools and began working.
Mr. Winston Sr. stood beside her. "I believe in you."
Chloe Evans and Liam Winston exchanged surprised glances, but with the old man's approval, they could only watch.
Vincent scoffed.
"Let's see how you—" His words died in his throat as he froze.
Sophia used tweezers to lift the cracked edges with practiced precision.
Vincent's heart skipped a beat.
She continued explaining, "The discoloration runs deep. It must be carefully separated layer by layer before being reattached with strong adhesive."
A few team members nodded unconsciously.
"That is indeed the correct method..."
Vincent still refused to believe.
"Miss Sullivan may know the basics, but full restoration requires far more," he sneered.
Sophia ignored him.
Her focus was absolute, as if the world around her had vanished.
Soon, Sophia picked up a brush to fill in the missing pigments.
Vincent suddenly shouted, "Stop! My professional integrity won't allow you to ruin this painting any further!"
He could no longer hold back and moved to stop her.