Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Sophia rose early, meticulously preparing herself.

She wore an elegant cheongsam, her dark hair coiled into a chignon—every inch the picture of classical grace.

Her driver waited downstairs.

The car headed toward Vincent's Porcelain in the antique district.

Vincent's Porcelain was Vincent Grandelle's long-established shop, specializing in imperial kiln ceramics, jade artifacts, and scholar's treasures.

Today was an auspicious date Vincent had carefully chosen for the ceremony.

Albert Roscente, the witness, had already arrived.

The appointed hour came.

Vincent sat solemnly on his rosewood chair.

"Let the ceremony begin," Albert announced.

Sophia held the apprenticeship scroll, reciting each word clearly.

After reading, she performed the traditional three kneelings and nine prostrations.

Her hands trembled slightly as she poured tea.

Vincent accepted the cup, took a sip, then produced a red envelope from his robe.

"Master, this—" Sophia hesitated.

"Take it. It's tradition," Vincent said kindly.

She accepted the envelope respectfully, then withdrew a bank card Ethan had prepared.

"Master, this is my humble offering."

Vincent waved it away. "I don't take apprentices for money."

Albert intercepted, pressing the card into Vincent's hand. "Don't refuse the child's sincerity."

Reluctantly, Vincent accepted.

Once the ceremony concluded, Sophia began learning immediately.

Her natural talent shone as she mastered the basics swiftly.

"Master, I'll go practice now." She carried several antique pieces upstairs.

Vincent nodded approvingly before turning to greet guests.

While Sophia focused on cleaning ceramics, an assistant interrupted. "Miss Laurent, Master requests your presence."

In the tearoom downstairs, Vincent conversed with a guest.

"Sophia, examine this dragon jar."

Approaching, she started. "Mr. Grant?"

Kyle turned, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Miss Laurent?"

"I'm now Master Grandelle's apprentice," she smiled.

Kyle sighed. "He once refused me."

Vincent stroked his beard. "Some connections can't be forced."

Donning white gloves, Sophia inspected the jar meticulously.

"The glaze is rich, the dragon motif lifelike, and the base marking authentic. It's genuine."

"Excellent judgment!" Vincent applauded.

After tea and conversation, Kyle prepared to leave.

"Let me escort you." Sophia remembered the painting in her trunk.

Sunlight glinted as their fingers brushed during the handoff.

Both froze momentarily.

Under the trees, the driver discreetly snapped a photo.

Ethan's office at Sullivan Group.

His gaze turned icy examining the photo on his phone.

He set the device down slowly, resuming paperwork.

Suddenly, he swept every file off his desk.