"Mr. Grant has arrived!" The shop door swung open as the clerk announced.

Kyle Grant stepped inside, sunlight glinting off the carved rosewood box in his hands.

Vincent Grandelle greeted him with a chuckle. "What treasure have you brought us today, Kyle?"

"A family genealogy." Kyle's gaze shifted to Sophia Laurent. "I've heard Miss Laurent's restoration skills are unparalleled."

Sophia accepted the box, her fingers tracing the weathered cover. "Severe damage. This will take time."

Vincent stroked his beard proudly. "My apprentice here, though young, already—"

"Grandpa!" Isabella Valentine stomped her foot. "You only ever talk about her!"

Kyle gave her a cool glance. "And you are?"

"My granddaughter, Isabella." Vincent nudged her forward. "You young people should mingle."

Isabella tilted her chin. "I only need Ethan."

"Shameless!" Vincent's face darkened. "They're legally married!"

"They almost divorced!" Isabella shrieked. "If not for—"

Slap!

A sharp crack echoed through the shop.

Isabella clutched her cheek. "Who hit me?"

Everyone exchanged confused glances. Sophia stood absorbed in examining the genealogy, Kyle remained impassive, and the clerks shook their heads in fear.

"This is witchcraft!" Isabella whimpered, tears welling as she looked to Vincent.

Vincent scowled. "Enough dramatics!"

Kyle approached Sophia. "How long for restoration?"

"Two months." She closed the box. "Fee is a hundred thousand."

Kyle handed her a check. "My father insists on paying a million."

Isabella's eyes burned with envy. Snatching her purse, she stormed out and immediately dialed Ethan Sullivan.

"Ethan, someone's throwing money at Sophia~" she embellished.

A long silence followed.

"Her craftsmanship warrants it." Ethan's voice was glacial. "Miss Valentine, your behavior is repulsive."

The line went dead. Isabella trembled with rage.