Frederick Vanderbilt narrowed his eyes and crooked a finger at his assistant.

The assistant immediately produced a bronze high-powered magnifier.

He took the magnifier and examined the painting meticulously.

From the mountain ranges to the streams.

From the trees to the figures.

"The Raindrop Texture technique is masterfully executed, and the Layered Ink method is nothing short of divine." Frederick nodded repeatedly. "The brushwork, the essence—it's indistinguishable from Fan Kuan's original."

Setting down the magnifier,

he fixed Sophia with an intense gaze. "Did you truly paint this?"

Sophia smiled faintly. "I did."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-three."

Frederick's brow furrowed slightly. "Such skill at such a young age?"

Sophia remained composed. "I began studying under my grandfather at three. Twenty years of practice."

At the mention of "Benjamin Laurent," the skepticism in Frederick's eyes vanished.

In the antiquities world, Benjamin's reputation was legendary.

He signaled his assistant. "Conduct a thorough comparison."

The assistant carried the painting into the study.

Sophia was confident. "Apart from lacking a signature, it's identical in every detail."

Frederick lifted his teacup. "The Taipei Palace Museum prohibits photography. How did you replicate it?"

"Pure memory."

Frederick's hand jerked, nearly spilling his tea.

"A painting over two meters long, entirely from memory?"

"Memorizing the composition wasn't difficult. Grasping its soul was the challenge." Sophia's gaze was steady. "I spent two full days absorbing its essence."

Frederick slapped the table in admiration. "Remarkable talent in one so young!"

Ethan Sullivan discreetly refilled their teacups.

"How is the old gentleman's health?" Frederick inquired.

"By your grace, he's quite robust."

"I'll pay him a visit soon."

As they exchanged pleasantries, the assistant hurried back.

"Mr. Vanderbilt," the assistant whispered, "we've verified repeatedly. It's an exact match."

Frederick was stunned.

After a long pause, he raised a thumb to Sophia. "In half a century in this field, I've never encountered talent like yours."

Sophia demurred with a smile. "You flatter me."

Frederick took out his checkbook and signed with a flourish.

Sophia accepted it with both hands, gasping softly at the amount.

Ten million dollars.

"This... could there be a mistake?"

Frederick laughed heartily. "It's worth every penny! Two years ago, I offered a billion for the original and was refused."

Suddenly, Sophia remembered something.

Peaks and Ridges was the very painting she'd acquired for five million, later sold to Zane Riveron for sixty.

As they left, Sophia's steps were unsteady.

"Pinch me," she murmured.

Ethan's eyes darkened as he abruptly pressed her against the wall.

His warm lips covered hers.

Sophia's ears burned crimson instantly.

"Clear-headed now?" he murmured with a low chuckle.

Her heart pounded like thunder.

The elevator doors opened, revealing Kyle Grant carrying a briefcase.

The three passed each other wordlessly.

Kyle entered the suite and presented the revolving vase to Frederick.

"I heard you were seeking Travelers Among Mountains. A friend of mine—"

"Already met her." Frederick smiled. "That young lady is extraordinary—more formidable than any male artist."

A flicker of amusement crossed Kyle's eyes. "Her antique restoration skills are unparalleled."

"Benjamin Laurent's granddaughter lives up to the name."

Suddenly, Frederick picked up his phone. "Zachary? The painting has arrived."

On the other end, Zachary Riveron's face paled.

"Ten million dollars, to that Miss Laurent."

Zachary's hand trembled, nearly dropping the phone.

Hanging up, he glared furiously at Zoe Riveron. "Because of you, I've lost over sixty million!"

Zoe forced composure. "Just luck—"

"Bullshit!" Zachary exploded. "You've destroyed my golden goose!"