Chapter 11

This artist's works typically auctioned for around one million dollars. However, if sold on this street, the price might drop to approximately half a million.

Skylar intended it as a birthday gift for Sadie and never planned to sell it.

She entered an antique store. The owner, noticing she was a young girl, gave her a cold glance. Antique shop owners possessed sharp eyes; he immediately sensed she wasn't there to buy anything.

"Excuse me, do you accept antique paintings from 1120 BC?"

The owner, Daniel Zeller, looked up quickly. "An antique painting from 1120 BC?"

"Yes," Skylar replied, retrieving the painting from her bag and unfolding it.

Daniel's eyes widened, seeing the near-perfect restoration. He knew a Jipsburg collector who specialized in paintings from around 1120 BC—rare items indeed. The exceptional restoration of such a damaged piece was also unusual. It was flawless.

"Name your price!" Daniel exclaimed excitedly. "But tell me, young lady, who restored this painting?"

He owned two badly damaged paintings, purchased cheaply. He'd sought a restorer, but none would take the job, deeming them too damaged. He wasn't concerned about the money lost but regretted their unrepaired state. He couldn't believe this young woman, appearing unexpectedly, could solve his problem.

"I restored it," Skylar said with a smile.

Daniel was surprised. "You restored it?" he asked suspiciously. She looked very young; art restoration was highly skilled work.

"Yes," Skylar nodded.

Daniel studied her closely, thinking, Young people often fabricate things. She must be bluffing. Look how calm she is! Nonetheless, he intended to buy her painting.

"I have two paintings here. I've been searching for restorers. If they can be restored, I'll pay five hundred thousand dollars for each. If you know anyone interested, please let them know," Daniel said, adding, "Ideally, they should come with you."

Five hundred thousand dollars was a substantial sum for a non-certified restorer—enough to buy the painting before him. Skylar, short on funds, was moved by the offer. "Let me see the paintings."

Daniel saw no harm in trying, so he showed Skylar the damaged paintings. They were almost as damaged as the one she'd brought.

"But back then," Skylar explained, "I was very busy and had to donate blood regularly, so it took longer to restore that painting."

Skylar decided, "I'll take the job."

Daniel found Skylar young and pretty, but also honest. He felt he had nothing to lose, since no one else would attempt the restoration.

They signed a contract. Daniel purchased Skylar's painting for five hundred thousand dollars; she didn't haggle; the price was fair, even though, despite dating from 1120 BC, it wasn't by a famous artist.

Leaving the antique street, it was already three o'clock in the afternoon. She would work at the store from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting tomorrow. She knew Daniel doubted her, but her skills, honed over years of training with Viola, would prove her competence.

Joe exited Lindfield Airport and took a cab to the branch office. Paul, sitting beside him, reviewed contracts and materials, consulting Joe when needed. A phone call interrupted.

Joe answered. "Grandma."

Gloria's voice, clearly audible even in the moving car, filled the air. "Why are you in Lindfield? I told you to have dinner with Skye and get to know each other better! What's so important you must attend to after an accident? Are all Martin Group employees useless? Can't they give their boss some time with his wife?"

Paul quickly stuck his head out the window, feigning ignorance. Joe rubbed his forehead, glancing at Paul. "Grandma, Ms. Sullivan is busy too."

"Call her 'Skye.' You're married! 'Ms. Sullivan' makes her sound like a stranger!"

Gloria was unhappy, fearing Joe's arrogance would alienate Skylar. Having watched reality dating shows, she found the arrogant male contestants infuriating.

"I don't care. Come back quickly. I think Skye's hiding problems; she tries to solve everything herself. I worry about her." Gloria sighed.

Joe recalled the condition Skylar had made before their marriage, suspecting it might involve the Williamses.

"Okay. I'll be back soon."

After hanging up, Joe asked Paul, "Regarding Skylar's relationship with the Williamses, did you find anything?"

"The Williamses don't seem pleased with Ms. Sullivan. Some families connected to them don't even know she exists," Paul replied.

Joe appeared thoughtful. Perhaps Skylar's condition stemmed from unhappiness with the Williamses; simply youthful concerns. However, he would keep his promise.

Leaving the antique street, Skylar went to the mall for groceries. A car dealership was nearby, and she considered buying a car. Galaxy Villa's location made car ownership necessary. New energy vehicles were relatively inexpensive, around ten thousand dollars.

While browsing, Skylar spotted Christopher and Maisy outside. Their hands were clasped, but Maisy looked angry; Christopher was trying to soothe her. They were a striking couple, attracting envious glances. Skylar, however, felt cold. The sight of Christopher brought back memories, culminating in the image of his and Maisy's intertwined hands. Without hesitation, she coldly photographed them.