Ethan Sullivan stiffened.

He hadn't expected Sophia Laurent to suddenly embrace him.

He'd prepared himself for her complaints and grievances.

Even rehearsed apologies in his mind.

Yet she gave him a warm hug instead.

Ethan gently stroked her hair, his fingertips brushing her cheek with remorse.

"What's been going on lately?" Sophia murmured against his shoulder.

Ethan lowered his gaze. "I'm not sure."

"Did you act this way with Isabella before?"

"Never." He paused. "I'll try to control it."

Sophia considered this. "Wouldn't forcing yourself make it worse?"

"Worth a try."

"Forget it. I'll be more careful." She joked lightly, "Luckily I work with antiques all day—mostly dealing with elderly collectors."

Ethan's lips twisted in self-deprecation.

Just Julian Evans and Kyle Grant had thrown him into turmoil.

If she worked in another industry, he'd probably lose his mind.

With genuine reflection, he admitted, "Perhaps I've grown too accustomed to being the only one in your world."

Sophia remained silent.

This wasn't about habit.

It was pure, unbridled possessiveness.

She even considered suggesting he see a therapist.

Then again, she realized she might not fare any better in his position.

Ten days later.

At Vincent's Porcelain.

Isabella Valentine slammed a completed puzzle onto the counter with arrogant flourish.

"Grandfather, I finished it!"

Vincent Grandelle glanced at it. "By yourself?"

"Of course!" Isabella's eyes darted nervously. "I stayed up several nights working on it."

Vincent calmly detached a corner piece. "Show me how you assemble it now."

Panic flashed across Isabella's face.

She'd paid a professional puzzler handsomely to complete it for her.

Do it herself?

Impossible.

Vincent understood immediately. "Fetch Sophia."

Moments later.

Sophia descended the stairs, wiping her hands.

"Master?"

Vincent gestured to the disassembled puzzle.

Sophia's gaze fell upon the "Thousand Miles Scroll"—a masterpiece she'd copied countless times in her youth.

What followed left everyone speechless.

Her fingers flew across the pieces as if they moved by magic.

In just five minutes.

A complete landscape painting emerged before them.

Vincent nodded approvingly. "Exactly five minutes."

Isabella's face darkened. "That's unfair! This is her specialty!"

"Didn't you study design in university?" Vincent countered.

Isabella fell silent.

Frustrated, she snapped, "Then let's compete in makeup! Or fashion!"

Sophia frowned.

These were indeed her weaknesses.

Vincent waved dismissively. "This is an antique restoration house, not a beauty pageant."

Staff members stifled laughter, shoulders shaking.

Humiliated, Isabella declared, "I will learn this craft!"

Vincent's expression hardened. "Stop embarrassing yourself here."