After a full day of rest, Sophia Laurent returned to Vincent's Porcelain with renewed energy.

Morning sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice as Vincent Grandelle polished an antique tea set.

"You're here," he said without looking up. "Today I'll teach you how to clean ancient ceramics."

Sophia obediently tied on her apron.

The sharp scent of chemical reagents filled the air.

Vincent demonstrated the precise mixing ratios. Sophia watched intently, absorbing every detail.

"Your turn." He handed her a test tube.

Her fingers moved with practiced grace as she replicated the exact proportions.

A flicker of astonishment crossed Vincent's eyes. The girl's restoration talent was nothing short of extraordinary.

After lunch, Vincent brushed off his sleeves. "Come, I'll introduce you to an old friend."

Sophia tilted her head. "Where are we going, Master?"

"Albert's Antiques next door." His lips curved mysteriously. "Time to broaden your horizons."

The moment they stepped into the shop, Vincent boomed, "Theodore! Get down here!"

Wooden stairs creaked under approaching footsteps.

A silver-haired gentleman descended slowly.

Sophia looked up to see Theodore Valentine dressed in white martial arts attire, rotating two well-worn walnuts in his palm.

"This is my apprentice," Vincent declared, pulling Sophia forward. "Benjamin Laurent's granddaughter."

Theodore's gaze sharpened. "The resemblance... she looks just like Evelyn in her youth."

The air turned heavy.

Vincent's eyes grew moist. "If only that child had..."

Sophia sensed the shift in atmosphere. She quietly offered a teacup. "Master, your tea."

Vincent accepted it, his expression softening.

"Theodore, this girl is exceptional." Suddenly animated, he nudged Sophia. "Show him what you can do."

Theodore raised an eyebrow. "What could a young girl possibly discern?"

Assistants brought out several "antiques."

Sophia examined the first piece. Her fingertips traced the glaze before she shook her head. "The dragon motif lacks fluidity. A modern replica."

The second piece—a celadon bowl—barely touched her palm before she smiled. "Ru ware shape with Ge ware crackle glaze. Too obvious a mismatch."

Theodore straightened in his chair.

The third piece, a long-necked vase, earned her immediate verdict: "Chemical pigments. Printed mark."

"Impressive!" Theodore slapped the table and stood.

Vincent stroked his beard smugly.

When Sophia correctly identified the fourth item as genuine, Theodore's eyes shone with admiration.

"Far better than Isabella," he blurted. "That girl only cares about designer labels."

Sophia's fingers stilled.

Isabella?

So this was Isabella Valentine's grandfather.

Time flew.

Two months later, Sophia carried a freshly restored pear-shaped vase into Albert's Antiques, guided by Vincent's enthusiastic tug.

"Look at this!" Vincent crowed. "Nineteen shattered fragments—repaired by my apprentice!"

Theodore studied the flawless porcelain before suddenly asking, "Young lady, would you like to learn bronze restoration?"

"Theodore!" Vincent nearly jumped in protest.

The glass door swung open abruptly.

A wave of overpowering perfume announced the arrival of Isabella Valentine. Her high heels clicked across the floor before freezing mid-step.

"Sophia?" Her voice trembled.

Vincent affectionately draped an arm around Sophia's shoulders. "Meet my final apprentice."

An ostrich leather handbag thudded to the floor.

Isabella's face drained of color.