The engine roared.

Isabella Valentine stumbled back to the roadside.

The car brushed past her skirt with a whoosh.

She glared at the retreating taillights, nails digging deep into her palms.

Her meticulously made-up face twisted in fury.

The bell chimed as she entered Vincent's Porcelain.

"Grandfather!" She rushed toward the counter with tears in her voice.

Vincent Grandelle didn't look up, focused on polishing the blue-and-white porcelain in his hands.

"I told you not to bother me with these matters."

Isabella bit her lip. "I want to learn artifact restoration."

The old man scoffed and tossed her a broken shard.

"Tell me what dynasty this is from."

The fragment rotated three times in her palm.

"It's... it's definitely an antique..."

"Sophia could identify Chenghua period glaze on her first visit." Vincent retrieved the shard. "You can't even find the door."

Isabella flushed crimson. "You're playing favorites!"

Vincent flung a jigsaw puzzle box from the drawer.

"Finish this before we discuss apprenticeship."

Reading "World Masterpieces - 8000 Pieces" on the box, Isabella gasped.

"This will take forever!"

"Restoration is a hundred times more tedious." Vincent turned toward the inner chamber. "Quit now if you lack patience."

Isabella grabbed the puzzle and stormed out.

The car's AC hummed steadily.

Ethan Sullivan tapped the leather seat. "Did Victoria give you trouble?"

"Master protected me." Sophia hesitated. "Could you tell me about Aunt Evelyn?"

His Adam's apple bobbed.

"She adored children." Ethan gazed out the window. "Always brought me handmade candies."

Audrey's text notification shattered the silence.

Two young women stood beneath flowering trees in the photo.

The right figure had delicate features and gentle grace.

Sophia touched the screen. "We look..."

"She went mad after her daughter died." Ethan cut in abruptly. "Twenty years in psychiatric care."

Sophia's heart clenched.

Noon brought clamor to the restaurant.

Rib rice aromas mingled with cigarette smoke.

Dominic Durand plopped beside Sophia.

"My successful daughter." He clinked his bowl. "Help your old man out?"

Sophia set down her chopsticks. "How much?"

"Five million." His eyes lit up. "Pocket change for your husband!"

Her unlocked phone vanished into his grip.

"Don't tell your mother!" Dominic hissed. "That shrew—"

Jack's iron grip clamped his shoulder.

Patrons turned to watch.

Dominic grinned. "My daughter hired thugs to beat me!"

Sophia observed his performance silently.

Until Jack dragged him outside.

Vincent's Porcelain reflected Sophia's silhouette.

The middle-aged man at the counter turned.

"Surprise?" Dominic spread his arms. "Your father missed you."

His shoes screeched against the floor.