Zachary Riveron's eyes widened. "Is it true? The painting came alive?"

"Absolutely." Sophia Laurent's fingertips trembled slightly. "For twenty years, I've never felt such awe."

Normally composed, she couldn't conceal her excitement now.

Zachary's voice rose sharply. "Quick! Bring me the painting!"

"It's not mounted yet."

"No matter!" Zachary was impatient. "Let me see it first!"

An hour later, Sophia stepped into the Riveron family villa.

Behind the vermilion gates, pavilions and water features were artfully arranged. The living room glowed with the warm sheen of rosewood furniture.

"To the study." Zachary led her inside.

Once the study door closed, Sophia carefully unrolled the scroll.

On two meters of rice paper, ink flowed like night. Towering mountains and ancient trees exuded such raw power that the room itself seemed to chill.

Zachary gasped.

This breathtaking grandeur came from such a delicate woman's hand!

His hands shook as he pulled out his phone, recording multiple clips.

"Brilliant! Magnificent! Stunning!" After three exclamations, he turned to fetch his checkbook.

But in the living room, he collided with his daughter Zoe Riveron.

"Dad, what's got you so excited?" Zoe arched an eyebrow.

"Sophia's painting—" Zachary began, only to be cut off.

"Her?" Zoe sneered. "Ethan Sullivan's ex-wife? She's hardly worthy."

Zachary froze.

A door slammed upstairs.

Sighing, he returned to the study with a strained smile. "Miss Laurent, the client has... changed their mind."

The light in Sophia's eyes dimmed instantly.

Mechanically, she rolled up the painting, her fingers turning cold.

Twenty years of mastery, three months of painstaking effort—dismissed so casually.

Back home, Sophia sat in darkness.

Until warm hands pulled her into an embrace.

"The painting was rejected." Her voice was brittle.

Ethan Sullivan produced a black card. "I'll pay double."

Sophia shook her head. Recognition, not money, was what she sought.

An hour later, Ethan stood on the balcony, phone in hand. "You found him?"

"Frederick Vanderbilt, the Chinese-American collector. He called Zachary ten minutes ago."

Ethan's lips curved. "Arrange a meeting."

He turned toward the study. Through the glass, Sophia's slender silhouette resembled an unfinished ink painting.

This time, he would personally light the stars for her.