Sophia Sullivan dialed the phone with calm composure.
"Bring a few assistants."
She recited the address and hung up without ceremony.
Turning to Mr. Winston Sr., her voice softened. "He'll be here shortly."
The gathered crowd exchanged doubtful glances.
Vincent Lowell scoffed. "Miss Sullivan, are we going to hear another excuse about the master being unavailable?"
Sophia arched an eyebrow.
"Mr. Lowell, if you're so good at predictions, why didn't you foresee your own incompetence?"
Vincent's face darkened with anger.
He clenched his teeth, waiting for Sophia's humiliation.
Thirty minutes later.
Chloe Evans stood first, her tone dripping with concern.
"Sophia, restoration time is precious. We can't indulge your charade."
She was certain Sophia was bluffing.
"It's fine if you don't know the master. Grandpa won't blame—"
Footsteps interrupted her.
The butler led a procession of figures through the courtyard.
The lead man wore a traditional suit, his sleeves stained with paint, moving with urgent purpose.
Vincent rushed forward eagerly. "Master Macmillan! We've been expecting you!"
Liam Winston extended his hand. "Master, I'm the one who previously contacted—"
David Macmillan bypassed them completely.
He seized Sophia's hands with visible excitement.
"Master Ning! You finally reached out!"
Gasps filled the room.
"Did he just call her Master Ning?"
"Am I hearing things?"
"She actually got him to come!"
Sophia withdrew her hands and gestured toward Mr. Winston Sr.
"This is my grandfather. His painting was damaged and needs restoration."
She addressed David directly. "You'll assist me."
David nodded without hesitation. "Knew you'd need help. Take your pick from these apprentices!"
The crowd finally noticed the group behind him.
Every person was a restoration legend!
Someone whispered in awe, "Did we just offend Miss Sullivan?"
Another voice mocked, "Some people judged too quickly. Serves them right!"
Vincent flushed crimson.
His greeting had been ignored by David.
Worse still, the gathered experts were now vying to assist Sophia.
"Miss Sullivan, my color removal technique is exceptional!"
"I specialize in replication!"
"Let me handle the repairs!"
Sophia didn't look up. "Just call me Sophia."
She began rapid-fire assignments.
"You take the floral elements. David handles pigment mixing—"
The mahogany table became instantly crowded.
Vincent couldn't even squeeze through the throng.
Chloe bit her lip. "Liam, how does your sister know Master Macmillan? Does she actually understand restoration?"
Liam's gaze deepened.
"I don't know. Perhaps I never truly understood her."
Memories surfaced of neglected handmade gifts at home.
The treasure had been beside him all along.
Yet he'd been blind to it.
An old wound throbbed in his chest.
Suffocation gripped him without warning.