The cicadas' song faded in the early autumn afternoon.

Inside Vincent's Porcelain, sandalwood incense curled through the air.

Vincent Grandelle reclined on a wicker chair by the window, a thin blanket draped over his legs. His clouded eyes softened as he watched Sophia Laurent polishing an antique.

That life-threatening illness three months ago had shown him his apprentice's true heart.

"Sophia, come here." He beckoned.

She set down the Ru kiln celadon glaze and hurried over. "Master, would you like some tea?"

Vincent shook his head and pulled out a document. "This is the deed to Vincent's Porcelain. I'm too old now. It's yours."

Her fingers trembled. "Master..."

"Take it." The old man pressed the papers into her hands. "Consider it repayment for saving my life."

Footsteps sounded at the door.

Theodore Valentine entered carrying a tea caddy. Seeing the scene, he smiled knowingly.

"Theodore's here." Vincent's eyes brightened. "Perfect timing. Try my apprentice's tea."

Sophia accepted the caddy and began warming the cups with practiced ease. The Tieguanyin leaves unfurled in boiling water, releasing an orchid-like fragrance.

Theodore studied her fluid movements. "Vincent, don't you think..."

"Think what?"

"Sophia's tea ceremony resembles Evelyn's when she was young."

Vincent's teacup wobbled.

The two men exchanged glances.

When Sophia went to attend customers, Theodore lowered his voice. "I checked the DNA match between Alexander and Sophia..."

"How much?"

"25%."

The cup shattered on the floor.

Vincent clutched his friend's arm, shaking. "You're certain?"

"Absolutely." Theodore produced a report from his coat. "I used Alexander's toothbrush. If you doubt—"

"I believe you!" Tears streamed down Vincent's wrinkled face. "I knew from the first moment I saw her..."

"Shh." Theodore signaled caution. "We must proceed carefully."

That afternoon, Sophia worked on restoring a bronze ritual vessel.

"Child," Theodore appeared behind her, "would you like to learn bronze restoration from me?"

She looked up, startled.

Vincent chimed in, "Theodore's skills are ancestral, far superior to my self-taught methods."

Thus, Sophia gained another master.

Unbeknownst to her, the old men's gazes held fathomless tenderness.

"What happened to your hand?" Ethan Sullivan frowned, cradling her swollen fingers.

"Polishing bronze." She tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip.

The man produced ointment from his suit pocket and applied it gently. "Wear gloves next time."

"It dulls the sensitivity."

"Then stop learning." His tone brooked no argument. "I'll provide for you."

As Sophia opened her mouth to protest, her phone rang.

"Sophia!" Vincent Laurent's voice vibrated with unprecedented excitement. "Your mother...she recognized me! She just said my name!"

A faint feminine voice came through: "Vincent..."

Tears spilled down Sophia's cheeks.

"We're coming now!" Ethan already had the car running.

The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the ground. Watching the blurring scenery, Sophia suddenly sensed—

Her life stood on the brink of transformation.