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I know works like this. As I worked, she silently followed every movement. Then she asked me to draw her portrait.
Part 3 of a serialized story: an artist trains a protégé, a laboratory tests a family skin cream, and a business empire deals with fallout from bad investment advice.
Key Takeaways
- Honest, realistic marketing and clear separation of authentication from price forecasts build lasting trust.
- Repetition and deliberate practice are presented as the foundation of skill development.
- Accountability means each person answers for the claims they personally sign off on.
- Overpromising, as with the investment sales, leads to refunds, reputational damage, and lost clients.
What the video covers
- The narrator begins training Sophie, who learns composition through repetitive exercises and assigned homework.
- Sophie and Jake handle the sale of the narrator's artworks, with limited quantities to protect the artist's reputation.
- A laboratory confirms a family's skin cream is stable and safe, though clinical testing is still needed for other claims.
- The narrator makes an aquamarine pendant for Madison's mother after practicing stone cutting on cheap material.
- Empire's investment department, led by Nathan, sells items with inflated profit promises, causing customer complaints and financial losses.
- Nathan reimburses customers and steps down from managing sales, while the company adopts honest disclosure practices.
- Olivia leads the company's recovery, introducing separated authentication and forecasting reports and buyback guarantees.
- Later chapters cover a country birthday party with wealthy guests, business maneuvers involving a prenuptial agreement, and a forged-painting incident at an auction.
- A city council later proposes an antiques television show after the fair boosts tourism.
Chapters
- 00:00Training Sophie and Selling the First Artworks
- 00:45Testing the Family Cream and Creating the Aquamarine Pendant
- 02:00Investment Sales Fallout and Nathan's Resignation
- 04:00Empire's Reforms and Customer Recovery
- 05:00Birthday Party, Prenuptial Maneuvers, and Auction Forgeries
- 07:40Antiques Show Proposal and Closing Developments
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
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Before I began, I gave her several of my own sketches and asked her to find their weaknesses. Sophie was afraid to criticize them for a long time, but eventually pointed out an overly crowded corner of one composition. Correct, I
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said. Did you leave the mistake there on purpose? No. I deliberately asked someone capable of seeing it. After that, she finally stopped looking at me like an infallible machine. It won't be a copy of Olivia's picture. I warned
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her. Draw me the way you see me. I depicted Sophie at a workt. On the sheet in front of her, the very complex composition she dreamed of mastering gradually emerged. When the drawing was complete, she did not speak for a long
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time. You didn't draw me, she finally said. You drew the person I want to become. Then now you know the direction.
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She decided to come twice a week. I agreed on one condition. No bows, titles, or talk of genius. Will there be homework? 50 variations of a single letter and 10 compositions made from three objects. I already regret asking.
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Then the real training has begun. Sophie promised to try. Her expression made it clear that this would be the hardest condition for her to fulfill. Jake saw the finished works for the first time and quickly calculated the potential
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profit. At market price, one painting would cover a month's rent. Sophie immediately offered to buy the entire first series. Jake looked at her, then at me, and finally believed for the first time that I was not exaggerating their value. And what if their price
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rises in six months? Then you'll be happy for the buyers. The store should earn money through an honest markup, not hold everything back in the hope of a miracle. That's why you'll get no more than two. The store has to survive
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without me. He wanted to argue, but Sophie supported me. A limited quantity will only increase interest. If you flood the market, Ryan's name will mean nothing. I asked them not to display the artist's name in large letters. The
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works should attract buyers through their quality, not through a story about a miracle appraiser. Over the next several days, Sophie learned to construct a composition instead of copying the movements of my hand. She wanted to master everything at once, but
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I made her draw the same scrap of a letter again and again. Meanwhile, Jake assembled shelving and photographed merchandise for the website. Several times he tried to involve Sophie in selecting the inventory, but she replied that she would not do an art director's
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job for free. Learn from that, I told him. Good relationships don't eliminate the need to pay for someone's work.
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Technique begins not with inspiration, but with repetition, I told Sophie. You learned in just a few days yourself.
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That is exactly why it's so easy for me to give irritating advice. By the end of the week, her work was still imperfect, but it already belonged to her rather than to her grandfather or me. For a first lesson, that was enough. The
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laboratory completed its testing of the Yamamoto family's cream. The formula was stable, contained no prohibited ingredients, and retained moisture well.
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Every other property would still need to be confirmed through clinical testing. The initial results were more modest than the family stories, but they could be trusted. The cream reduced dryness and irritation, but it did not erase wrinkles overnight or cure illnesses.
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Olivia was actually pleased. A genuinely good product is better than an impossible promise. A brand grows quickly on impossible promises and dies even faster. Olivia finalized the deal.
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Empire gained control of the factory while the previous owner received a stake only in the old product line, which the company had no intention of reviving.
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He still hasn't understood what he signed. She said, "What matters is that we understand our own obligations. The first samples were distributed to a small group of volunteers under a dermatologist supervision. There would be no advertising until the results
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arrived. Meanwhile, Madison's mother's birthday was approaching. I did not want to give her another painting. At a mineral shop, I found a small uncut aquamarine with a beautiful internal pattern. My ability showed me how best to reveal it. I spent several evenings
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learning to cut and polish stone, ruining cheap practice pieces before touching the real one. The first practice piece cracked, the second came out crooked, and I overheated the third.
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Jake watched with enormous pleasure. It's nice to see that there's at least one thing you can't do on your first try. remember the moment. It's rare. On the fourth evening, my hands finally began to keep up with what my ability
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showed me. The result was a simple pendant. On the back, I engraved a miniature cityscape and the date of Madison's parents' wedding. It was far from perfect. That was precisely why, for the first time, it felt truly mine.
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Two weeks later, customers began returning to Empire. The objects Nathan had sold as promising investments were not increasing in value, and some had already fallen in price. The most experienced collectors arrived first.
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They did not shout. They calmly placed receipts and printouts of recent sales on the table. Then came ordinary buyers who had trusted the experts choice signs and spent their savings. Mr. Wilson was furious. We spent years explaining that
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authentication and price forecasting are two different things. Now the box is labeled as though every expert promised them a profit. Worse still, Nathan had used the appraisal department's general seal without having specific lots approved. The appraisers reputations were now at risk. Olivia told him to
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handle the complaints himself. The model was logical, Nathan insisted. The spreadsheet was logical. I said, "The market isn't obligated to behave like your spreadsheet, and your decisions are infallible, I suppose." No, that's why I put my name only on the things for which
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I was prepared to answer if I was wrong. You copied the outward action without understanding the reason, Olivia replied. Ryan raised prices because he saw undervalued demand. You decided that raising the price itself created value.
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Nathan reimbursed the customers for the difference from the project's reserve fund and stepped down from managing the department. He was not fired. He remained a strong specialist in corporate finance. Sales simply no longer fell within his authority. Before
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leaving, he admitted only one thing. I had warned him about the consequences in advance and had not interfered with his work. It was less than an apology, but more than I had expected. This still isn't proof of your superiority, he told
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me before he left. It shouldn't be. It's enough to prove that everyone must answer for their own work. That evening, Olivia informed the team that I was returning. Sarah was the first to applaud. A second later, the entire
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department joined her. I felt awkward, so I raised a hand. It's too early to celebrate. First, we'll have to win back the clients we lost. That's exactly why we're applauding, Mr. Wilson replied.
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This time, no one argued. First, I removed every unverified recommendation from the displays. Then, Empire offered refunds to customers for disputed purchases and published the names of the experts responsible for each item. We explained separately that an expert
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confirms an object's authenticity and condition, but does not promise that its price will rise. Forecasts now came in a separate report stating the risks, time frame, and name of the employee who prepared it. Some executives objected, claiming that honest warnings would
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frighten customers away. It's better to lose one sale than a customer forever, Olivia replied. A buyback guarantee was introduced for selected lots. The risk to the company was small. I chose only items whose value was expected to increase. Within a few weeks, sales
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recovered. More importantly, customers began asking questions again instead of blindly trusting bright price tags. The appraisers changed, too. In the past, many had preferred to speak vaguely to avoid responsibility. Now, successful recommendations were tied to their names, and each person had a chance to
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build a reputation of their own. At the end of the month, Madison invited me to her mother, Evelyn Carter's 60th birthday celebration. I expected a family dinner. Instead, I found a country hotel, dozens of cars, and young men in expensive suits. Most of them
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carried red invitations and carefully wrapped gifts. I stood there in a casual jacket with a small case in my pocket, clearly out of step with the general mood. Two guests by the entrance were discussing what kind of car to give
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Madison after the wedding. From their tone, Madison's own consent was a minor formality. It seems Mr. Carter has decided to find his daughter a husband while he's at it. I muttered to myself.
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Madison met me at the entrance. Don't even think about leaving. I haven't even given her the present yet. That is exactly why you're not allowed to leave.
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She linked her arm through mine and led me in through the service entrance. Several guests followed us with displeased looks. "Were you waiting by the door on purpose?" I asked for half an hour. "You could have called. I
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wanted to see people's faces when I took you past the line. You have a very kind family." "Mom is." The rest amuse themselves however they can. I was beginning to suspect it would not be a quiet evening. Madison's parents really
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had invited several potential suitors, but they had turned the introduction into a charity event. Madison, Emma, and Aiko changed into volunteer uniforms and helped the guests before the official opening. Most of the men did not recognize the host's daughter without an
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expensive dress and makeup. The task was simple. Register the guests, accept donations for a city shelter, and escort elderly attendees to their tables.
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Madison's parents watched through the cameras, observing not people's manners at dinner, but their behavior when they believed no one important was watching.
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One man helped Emma pick up some folders she had dropped and did not even ask her name. Another shoved a tip at Madison and demanded that she remember who the special guest was. Some spoke to the women politely. Others snapped their
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fingers, left trash on the trays, and demanded that they summon someone important. I understood the game from the first minute but intervened only once when a guest roughly grabbed Aiko by the arm. Take your hand off her, I
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said. Who are you security? The man who asked you once. He let her go. Io looked at me with mild annoyance. I could have handled it myself. I know, but then his evening would have ended in the emergency room instead of the main hall.
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She considered that and admitted it was a reasonable argument. Later, the rude guests were directed to the main hall.
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The others were invited to the family dinner. No one was publicly humiliated or told the reason. Mom wanted to see how they treated people from whom they needed nothing, Madison said. And the results depressing.
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Did you choose at least one? I wasn't choosing anyone. My parents still hope love can be found through good event planning. For people who made their fortune in logistics and jewelry chains, it's a perfectly natural idea. At least
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the evening turned out to be useful. She looked at me and smiled. And for me, it isn't over yet. Before dinner, Madison's brother asked the guests to leave Evelyn a short letter, drawing, or personal wish instead of an expensive gift. That
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way, the family avoided ostentatious generosity and learned more about the guests at the same time. Cards, pencils, and watercolors lay on the table. One person wrote a standard greeting.
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Another tried to draw the family crest, and one guest copied a quotation from the internet and presented it as his own. Madison moved from one work to another, trying not to laugh. Her brother, by contrast, praised each one
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with such a serious face that it was impossible to tell whether he was mocking them. "I refused to participate." "You can't draw?" one of the guests asked with relief. I didn't come to compete today. Nevertheless, I was handed the card marked number one.
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The family has already seen your work, Madison's brother explained. Consider the assignment completed in advance.
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That provoked unhappy whispers, but no one dared argue with the host. Why number one? I asked quietly. Because your painting hangs in father's office, Madison replied. He took it from the store before I could sell it for a
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ridiculous price. You weren't going to sell it. He didn't know that. At the table, Madison introduced me to her mother. Evelyn was a calm woman with an attentive gaze. So, this is the famous Ryan I hear about every week. I hope
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it's all good. My daughters and husband's versions differ noticeably. Dad only tells you about his deals, Madison interjected. I tell you the interesting things such as how he ordered the most expensive dish on the menu when he learned Olivia was paying.
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The table laughed. I realized Emma was not the only family news service. Madison demanded to see the gift. I handed over the small case. We asked for nothing expensive. Evelyn said the stone is inexpensive. The time cost considerably more. She opened the box.
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At first, Evelyn saw only a neat blue stone. Then Madison held it up to the light, and the engraving on the back appeared within it, as though a tiny city truly lay beneath the surface. The conversations around us died away. The
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aquamarine was almost transparent. Its internal bands resembled clouds, while a New York skyline appeared on the back under magnification. At the center, I had engraved a tiny couple on a bridge and the date of the Carter's wedding.
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Evelyn recognized the bridge at once. That was where Michael Carter had proposed to her. Back when they had neither a chain of stores nor a home of their own. How did you know? She asked.
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I looked at Madison. She told me once. I'd forgotten I ever told you. Madison admitted. You made this yourself?
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Madison's father asked. Yes, he had spent many years in the jewelry business and immediately noticed the irregularities of handmade work, but those very flaws proved that the pendant had not been commissioned from a professional jeweler. "The stone is
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mid-grade," he told the guests. "But the workmanship is rare," he asked for a loop. Under magnification, the windows of the buildings, the bridge railings, and two tiny figures became visible. The lines were not perfect, but the composition used the stone's natural
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inclusions as clouds above the city. An experienced craftsman would have carved it more cleanly, Carter said. But an experienced craftsman would first have removed these inclusions and destroyed the entire concept. Evelyn put on the pendant and refused to take it off. I
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was moved to the family table, provoking a new wave of whispers. Madison's brother leaned toward me. Father usually judges people by what they buy. You made him judge what they can do. Now he won't leave you alone. You should have warned
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me at the entrance. One of the elderly guests asked where I had studied jewelry making. Nowhere. I practiced on cheap glass for several days. He assumed I was joking. Mr. Carter ordered someone to bring the painting I had once given
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Madison from his office. It was unrolled before the invited collectors. They stepped closer. One examined the artificial wear. Another compared the eight styles of handwriting, and a third suggested that several artists had created the work. No. The eldest
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collector objected. The pressure of the hand changes, but the rhythm is the same. There is one artist deliberately hiding behind different voices. After several minutes of examination, the most experienced among them said, "The artist behind this work should be famous. Why
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have I never heard the name?" Madison gripped my hand more tightly. The collectors decided the painting must belong to an elderly master who had hidden from the public for decades. They discussed the eight different styles of handwriting, the composition, and the
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artificially aged textures. The eldest called it the best contemporary interpretation of an archival collage he had seen in years. After that, several of the younger guests stopped looking at me condescendingly and began trying to remember whether they had ever seen my
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name at an auction. Introduce us to the artist. One of them demanded. Madison's father enjoyed the pause a little longer than necessary.
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He's already sitting at the table. Their gazes swept across the elderly guests and settled on me only after Madison placed a hand on my shoulder. Ryan drew it in my store," she announced. No one believed her. One guest suggested that I
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was merely the paintings owner. Another decided Madison was joking to rid herself of unwanted suitors. "I was standing beside him," Emma said. "He finished it in less than an hour. That makes the story even less believable.
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the collector replied. A technique like this requires decades. Another collector objected. It took me less time, I replied. But that doesn't mean the work came easily. Mr. Carter ordered paper, ink, and brushes to be brought out. Then show us. At that moment, Olivia entered
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the garden. She removed her dark glasses, saw Madison beside me, and the prepared table. Madison was still holding my hand. Olivia's gaze lingered on it, but instead of commenting, she walked over to Evelyn and gave her a gift. Forgive me for being late. The
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negotiations ran long. You arrived just in time for the main performance. Mr. Carter replied, "When Ryan performs, the main show usually begins after everyone decides he can't do anything. It seems I arrived at exactly the right time. I
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picked up the brush. A blank sheet lay before me, and all around stood people convinced they were about to expose an impostor. This time, I did not even need my ability to understand the true value of the moment. I drew the first line,
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and the garden fell silent. Evelyn's profile appeared on the paper first. I surrounded it with light strokes resembling an evening gown pattern.
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Instead of a conventional design, the fabric consisted of dozens of short phrases, dates, street names, family jokes, and guests wishes. "Are those our notes?" Madison asked in surprise. "Not all of them?" you told me some of the stories yourself. I added a transparent
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watercolor wash. The scattered words formed a cityscape, and the folds of the painted dress became the bridge where Michael had once proposed to Evelyn.
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Once dry, the portrait looked simple, only from a distance. Up close, each fragment revealed a separate memory. Mr.
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Carter applauded first. The others rose after him. One collector offered $50,000. Another immediately doubled it. Evelyn pressed the picture to her chest. Don't even think about it. I'm keeping it.
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Olivia stood a little apart. When Madison took my arm again, her gaze grew noticeably colder. You'll paint something just as good for my parents.
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Is that a request for now? I signed it. Ryan Hayes. This time hiding my name made no sense. Later, Olivia led me off the terrace into an empty living room. Do you like Madison?
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She asked without preamble. She's my friend. She doesn't look at you like a friend. And you?
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Olivia fell silent. Her usual confidence vanished for only a second, but I noticed. I stopped thinking of you as just an employee long ago, she finally said. But what I want isn't enough. The board, shareholders, my family, they'll
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turn our relationship into a transaction. Then we won't play by their rules. What if they leave you no choice?
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I've already made my choice. She looked into my eyes. Sometimes I think things would be easier for you with Madison.
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Maybe, but easier isn't what I want. Olivia smiled for the first time that evening and lightly kissed my cheek. By morning, the portrait video was all over social media. By lunchtime, it had over 2 million views and collectors were
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calling Jake's shop. Jake himself burst in. Phone in hand. Three paintings a month is torture. Paint 10. No.
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Why? Because after 10 they'll stop waiting for the next one. He considered that and reluctantly put his phone away. The painting success did not dispel an unpleasant thought. A vast gulf still separated me from Olivia's family. Jake noticed my mood. 6 months ago, you were
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looking for work. He said, "Now gallery owners line up for your drawings. Maybe stop comparing yourself to people with a three generation head start. Sensible advice. Who did you steal it from? I came up with it myself. I have good
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ideas sometimes, too. I decided to start with those who already treated me without hostility rather than the board.
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Olivia's grandfather, George Quinn, lived with his wife in an old house by the Hudson. He had given up his city residence and spent his days among books, photographs, and objects that had outlived several owners. I placed a small case on the table before him.
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Inside lay a dark rosewood bracelet. It had belonged to an engineer who built the coast's first railway bridges. Its thread had long since rotted, and several beads were cracked, but I had restored them while preserving the signs of age. George picked up the bracelet
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and frowned. How much? It's a gift, young man. I'm too old to believe in free gifts. Then consider it an advanced payment for good tea. He laughed and called his wife. Margaret Quinn entered the living room and immediately asked, "George, why are
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people giving you jewelry again and nothing to me?" "Because I'm more charming." "Because you got to the door first." I took out a second package, a small portrait of Margaret painted from a photograph taken when she worked in a
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school library. She studied it for a long time, then told her husband, "Now you can keep the bracelet." The final gift was a handcarved stamp for George's personal library. It wasn't expensive, but on its side, I had reproduced the
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outline of the house where they had lived for 40 years. Over lunch, we discussed neither money nor Empire Group. George asked about my parents Margaret about Emma. They were more interested in whether I was helping my sister adjust to New York than in the
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value of my latest deals. Before I left, George said, "Most young people try to show me what they've achieved. You brought things that reminded me why I worked in the first place." The next day, Olivia told me, "Grandpa insisted I
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thank you properly." with lunch. He suggested a new wardrobe and a watch. Then tell him the tea was payment enough. Olivia shook her head. That's exactly why he liked you. Jake's renovated shop opened on Saturday.
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Marcus and Vanessa Reed had invested in the renovation and received a stake in the antiques business. But under our agreement, the paintings remained Jake's separate project. Brooke, whom he had been dating for several weeks, had been beside him all morning. Before the
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opening, she had helped select furniture, compiled the guest list, and told everyone Jake would soon be the Antiques Market's new star. Vanessa reminded him of their terms in front of the guests. "We're not responsible for an unknown artist's work. No name, no
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exhibition history, no independent appraisal." "Excellent," Jake replied. then we won't share the profits from it either. Her friends laughed. One said the cityscapes looked like filtered photographs. Another decided the signature belonged to a fictitious artist. Brooke looked visibly
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embarrassed. That morning she'd called Jake the market's future star. Now she quietly moved away and joined another group of guests. "Everything okay?" I asked. "Wonderful," Jake said through clenched teeth. I've always dreamed of my partners mocking my best merchandise
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on opening day while my girlfriend pretends she wandered in by chance. Just then, Natalie Cross and Megan arrived.
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They stopped beside the paintings. "They say the artist knows Ryan," Natalie said. Megan snorted. "Ryan's had far too many incredible acquaintances lately. A rich girlfriend, famous collectors, a reclusive artist. I think someone's just learned to lie convincingly. She headed
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straight toward me. Where's your rich girlfriend? Megan asked loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. Working.
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Or has the contract expired? Natalie tried to stop her, but Megan was already enjoying herself. You always wanted to prove Natalie wrong. The car, the expensive suit, the connections. Is all this for her? I looked at my ex-girlfriend. At first, maybe after we
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broke up, I wanted her to regret it. Then I found more important things to do. Natalie looked away. So, you admit you were pretending to be successful?
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Megan seized on it. I admit I was hurt once. That's not the same thing. She smirked.
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Women like Olivia always keep useful men around. She gave you a job, a car, and an expensive suit. And you already think you're her equal. You're just another diversion to her. We're done here, I said. And if we're not, then you'll be
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escorted out. This is a shop opening, not a school cafeteria. Megan was ready with another comeback when three cars stopped outside. Empire Group employees entered first, followed by Madison, Sophie, and Olivia. Olivia surveyed the room and asked, "Are we late?"
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Just in time for the authenticity check, I replied. Madison approached the nearest painting. I watched Ryan paint it. If that's not enough, I have progress photographs and the pigment analysis results. Sophie selected a winter landscape and asked them to
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reserve it until evening. Olivia examined the other works. Empire will buy six paintings for its new hotels, she said. At market price with no discount. The shop fell silent. Do you know the artist? Vanessa asked. Olivia looked at me. Quite well. Jake could
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barely hide his smile. Sales in the first 20 minutes covered several months rent. Vanessa pulled him aside. Jake, the paintings are displayed in our shop.
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We're entitled to a share. You insisted you had nothing to do with them. Then remove them from the shared space.
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Gladly. While the employees moved the paintings into the adjoining room, I turned to Megan. You were just talking about Olivia. Now she's here. Will you tell her again that she keeps me around because I'm useful and considers me
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another diversion? Megan went pale. I didn't know who she was, she muttered. Olivia looked at her calmly. So insulting an ordinary woman is fine, but insulting Empire groups Aerys isn't?
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Megan said nothing. She took out her phone and stepped aside. A few minutes later, I heard her complain to someone that she had been publicly humiliated and demand they come immediately. I didn't stop her. Sometimes people need to see their own mistakes through. 40
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minutes later, Curtis Lang entered the shop. A construction company owner about 20 years older than Megan. He brought a lawyer and two bodyguards. "Who insulted my girlfriend?" he asked. First, specify which one, I replied. When I looked at
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Lang, my ability showed five women's names instead of a price. One was marked as his legal wife. Judging by the dates and expenses, the others knew nothing about one another. Lang demanded compensation for emotional distress and threatened to shut the shop down through
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inspections. Olivia calmly started recording on her phone. Repeat the amount and the grounds for your demand for our lawyer. His confidence faltered.
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Curtis, I said, "Is your wife still on the board of the company that awarded you your main contracts?" Megan spun toward him. "What wife?" Lang called it slander, but Olivia's lawyer had arrived and was checking public records. Within minutes, a
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marriage record, jointly owned property, and workers lawsuits over unpaid wages appeared on the screen. "Should we call the police?" Olivia asked. "Or will you stop threatening us and leave?" Curtis chose the latter. Megan remained in the middle of the shop, still clutching her
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phone. Megan caught up with Curtis at the door. "You said you'd been divorced for years. Now isn't the time to discuss this. When will it be? He tried to take her hand, but Megan stepped back.
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Olivia's lawyer, following them out, handed her a business card. Keep your correspondence, bank transfers, and every promise he made. If he paid for gifts with company funds, it could matter. I'll handle it myself, Megan replied. Then she turned to me. Still,
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I'm sorry for what I said. Apologized to Olivia. Megan returned to the shop and did so without arguing. The recording of Curtis's threats went to Empire Group's lawyers. Their investigation revealed that his construction company owed its workers money and had secured several
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municipal contracts through his wife's connections. The evidence was sent to regulators. No one had to blackmail him.
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Making public the facts he habitually concealed was enough. By evening, Jake's shop had turned a profit. Most of the antiques had sold, and there was a waiting list for the paintings. Brooke returned to Jake as though the morning
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scene had never happened. I always knew you'd succeed. Jake looked at me over her shoulder. Not a word, he warned. I didn't say anything. Your face is talking. I smiled.
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Then don't look at it. 2 days later, Jake returned half my investment and paid me my share of the painting sales.
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Are we even now? He asked. Financially, yes. As far as life advice goes, never.
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That same day, Luis Morales, who owned a small metal recycling yard, called city inspectors had suspended operations over outdated permits, and a developer had offered to buy the land for next to nothing. I arrived with Emma and Aiko.
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Beyond the gates were dismantled cars, copper pipes, and several containers of things people discarded when moving.
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They gave me 30 days, Luis said. Modernize or shut down. The developer's representative was already waiting outside the office. It's an industrial wreck, he declared. Our offer is more than generous. I called Olivia and put her on speaker. She listened to the
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address and replied, "Empire controls two neighboring blocks. Without our easement, their project won't have access to the highway." The developer's representative stopped smiling. So I said, "Now let's discuss the land's actual value. We proposed that Luis join a joint venture instead of selling.
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Empire Group would handle the cleanup, new permits, and construction of an enclosed recycling facility. Luis would retain operational control and a share of the profits. I would invest $250,000 and receive first access to unusual objects arriving with the scrap. You
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want to make money from trash? Luis asked. From what others overlooked? After a brief silence, he offered me his hand. That evening, I found Jake and Brooke at home studying plans for a new residential complex. "We've chosen an
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apartment," he announced. Brooke corrected him almost. We just need to put it in both our names. Are you getting married? I asked. Not yet, Jake replied. Then why share property before sharing a decision? Brooke took offense and went into the bedroom. Jake sighed.
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You certainly know how to make a home feel welcoming. I know how to read contracts. We checked the city property registry. Brooke already owned an apartment transferred to her two years earlier by a divorced businessman nearly 30 years her senior. Jake stared at the
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screen for a long time. She said she had nothing. Ask her without accusations. But before buying a home, find out who you're making a deal with. Jake called Brooke in front of me. Who is Walter Concincaid? The pause lasted too long. A
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distant relative? She finally replied. a relative who gave you an apartment after his divorce. Brooke accused him of spying demanded his trust and said she no longer wanted to discuss buying a home. Jake didn't argue afterward. He poured some water and drank it in one
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gulp. I already know the answer, don't I? You know she lied. Decide the rest yourself. The next day, Olivia sent me a suit and a short message. It's my father's birthday today. Don't be late.
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That evening, we arrived at the Quinn's country estate. Our dark outfits and silver accents matched so well that the photographers immediately assumed we were an official couple. "Did you do that on purpose?" I asked. "Perhaps." Frank Doyle, the family's head of
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security, met us at the entrance. Tall and gray-haired, he moved like a former soldier. He shook my hand, held it a second longer, and studied my stance.
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You've trained a little find 10 minutes after the reception for a conversation if you're lucky. Frank took me to a small gym before dinner even began. I need to understand who I'm protecting and from whom, he explained.
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We put on gloves. He attacked without warning, but not at full strength. I moved out of his strikes path, applied a hold, and immediately released him.
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Frank nodded. You're not trying to impress me. That's a good sign. And a bad one. You notice things you shouldn't see far too often. He explained that tonight's reception wasn't just Richard Quinn's birthday. Three longtime shareholders had invited heirs of family
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acquaintances, hoping to find Olivia the right partner. They call it strengthening the company, Frank said. I call it bargaining. In the hall, I quickly understood. Several young entrepreneurs surrounded Olivia. My ability revealed more than their watches prices. Hidden debts, lawsuits, and
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mistresses names flashed beside them. Olivia noticed my gaze. What do you see? Very expensive suits on people with cheap secrets. She smiled almost imperceptibly and took my arm. Then stay close. Richard Quinn climbed onto the stage unaded, but moved cautiously. The
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illness the family discussed in whispers was clearly progressing. After his greeting, he announced a charity game.
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Part of the family collection was displayed in the library. Guests could choose any object and name its history and value. The best expert could direct $100,000 to a charity of their choice.
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Finally, a contest where you can't wear the prize on your wrist," I whispered. "Don't relax," Olivia replied. "Father tests people even during a toast. Among the paintings, I spotted a familiar canvas, an old work of mine with a
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deliberately aged frame. Richard had bought it through an intermediary and judging by its dedicated lighting considered it the discovery of the year.
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The artist is unknown, he told the gathering, but the technique is outstanding. Olivia looked at me with obvious delight. Shall we tell him?
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After dinner, let him enjoy the mystery first. A battered medical case in a distant cabinet caught my attention.
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Inside were an old otocope, glass test tubes, and a notebook annotated by several doctors. The objects weren't worth much. The value of one entry was almost unbelievable. At the family table, Richard returned to the painting.
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"I tried to find the artist," he said. "The gallery claims he avoids publicity." Olivia asked innocently, "What if he's young and single? Then introduce us. People with that much patience rarely lack substance. George Quinn chuckled. You've already met.
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Olivia turned the canvas over. My early signature remained beneath the frame. Richard spent several seconds comparing it with the signature on Evelyn's portrait. You painted this? Yes.
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Why did you hide it? You didn't ask. Margaret laughed and Richard leaned back in his chair. Fine, one point for the painting, but that's not enough to convince me about everything else. I didn't come to take an exam. After
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dinner, I asked permission to examine the medical case. The old notebook repeatedly listed muscle weakness, tremors, abdominal pain, and periods of marked improvement during trips away from home. I had seen the same signs in Richard. Who used this kit? I asked. My
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greatgrandfather was a doctor, he replied. Why does it matter? I closed the case. Because your illness may not be hereditary. The notebook contained generations of notes. The handwriting changed, but the symptoms recurred. One doctor noted that the patient improved
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away from home. Another suspected metal poisoning, but laboratories of the time couldn't confirm it. Do you take supplements? I asked Richard. a formula the family clinic has prepared for years every day. Two capsules. I asked them to bring the package. My ability showed a
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strange discrepancy. The stated price was ordinary, but one capsule's actual value appeared negative, as if the object caused harm. The family doctor frowned. Young man, you're not a physician. That's why I'm not prescribing treatment. I'm asking for heavy metal tests and an independent
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laboratory analysis of the capsules. Richard wanted to refuse, but George supported me. You've followed doctor's orders for years and only grown weaker.
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One extra test won't kill you. Olivia sealed the package in an evidence bag. Three laboratories must receive samples, she said. None will know about the other two. Richard looked at his daughter. Do you both think I'm being poisoned? For
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now, we think someone doesn't want to ask the right questions, I replied. The results arrived 2 days later and were almost identical. Richard's blood contained elevated arsenic levels and traces of thallium. The same substances were found in the capsules. An
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independent medical team assembled at the house. They prescribed treatment, stopped the supplements, and sent the remaining capsules to a federal laboratory. Could this contamination have been accidental? Olivia asked. The toxicologist shook his head. Not in these proportions. A manufacturing error
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would look different. Richard said nothing. For years, he had regarded his weakness as an inevitable illness and gradually handed authority to people he trusted. Who delivered the packages? I asked. An assistant to one of the longtime shareholders? Frank replied.
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Every month personally, the room grew even quieter. There was no immediate miracle. Richard didn't rise from his chair and walk around. Treatment even worsened his condition at first, but the tremors began easing, and for the first time in years, ordinary medications
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relieved his pain. On the fourth day, he walked a few steps with a physical therapist. Olivia stood beside him, crying openly. You gave me my father back," she said later. "I only noticed a discrepancy. Sometimes that's enough to
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save a life." Once Richard stabilized, he asked to speak privately. "I owe you more than I can express," he said. "But I don't want my gratitude mistaken for approval of your relationship with Olivia." "Fine." He had expected an argument and looked
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surprised. "You accept that so easily? I didn't help to get permission to date your daughter. Then what do you want for the investigation not to vanish into a corporate archive? Richard wearily rubbed his face. Three longtime shareholders control too much. Accuse
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one without evidence and the others will bring down the company and call it a family feud. Then gather evidence. And you and Olivia? That's a separate matter. He studied me for a long time, then nodded. I won't stand in your way,
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but I can't openly support you yet. The board would see it as a declaration of war. I'm not asking for support. You're too confident. No, it's just that if I have to fight for Olivia, I'd rather know the cost beforehand. At the
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doorway, I heard Ryan, thank you. For the first time, Richard said it as a father rather than empire group's head.
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Olivia waited by the conservatory. Did he try to buy you or frighten you? He failed at both today. I recounted the conversation. She listened, then said quietly, "All my life, other people decided what was good for me, which
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school, which job, whom to appear with in public. I'm used to arguing, but not to choosing just for myself. And now she stepped closer. Now I'm choosing. Olivia kissed me unhurriedly without glancing at doors or cameras. When we pulled
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apart, I asked, "Is this an official decision? Don't ruin the moment. I'm clarifying the terms. One more word and the contract is terminated." I embraced her. Then I'll be quiet. Snow fell beyond the conservatory glass. Doctors, lawyers, and security staff continued
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working in the house. We knew things would get worse before they got better. But for the first time, nothing remained unsaid between us. Before I left, Olivia stopped me. And don't suggest Madison to me again as the easier option. You're
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the one who suggested her. All the more reason. Forbid me from repeating that stupidity. Treatment took several weeks.
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Richard followed the routine, attended physical therapy, and for the first time allowed doctors to argue with him. At the next reception, he greeted his guests without a cane. A murmur swept the hall. People who had mentally divided his authority suddenly saw a man
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capable of leading the company again. "I owe my improvement to the medical team, my daughter, and Ryan Hayes," Richard declared from the stage. He noticed what everyone else accepted as inevitable.
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One longtime shareholder smiled a little too late. After the speech, Olivia's mother, Eleanor, caught me by the table.
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Since you find hidden problems, take a look at me, too. I can recommend a checkup, sleep, and a vacation. A vacation sounds suspicious. Then start with sleep. Olivia laughed.
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Mom was hoping for a magic pill. Our family has had enough of one magic pill, Richard replied dryly. The laughter faded. The reminder was apt. The murder attempt hadn't disappeared with the symptoms. The three longtime shareholders had simply moved on to
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their next move. After dinner, several young guests surrounded Olivia again. One discussed bank mergers, another family trusts. She heard them out, then stepped onto the stage. Since so many think Ryan is unsuitable for me, here's a simple rule. Anyone may challenge him
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in their strongest field, but the stakes go to charity, and I am not the prize.
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The room came alive. Eric Holloway, an investment fund manager, went first. He proposed creating two simulated portfolios for 30 days. Brandon Keller joined next. 100,000 each into a shared charity fund, Eric said. The winner chooses the recipient. Agreed, I
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replied. They gave me a list of eligible stocks. My ability didn't directly reveal the future. But some shares prices changed when I imagined a sale date. I chose companies the market still undervalued. Too conservative, Eric remarked. We'll see in a month. Olivia
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leaned toward me. Are you sure? No, but they're confident enough for three people. That's plenty. Next came Dylan Archer, heir to a media group who prided himself on having no useful skills. You may be talented at investing, he said. And art. So, I
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propose a contest where talent is useless. He placed a stack of charity lottery tickets on the table. We each choose one. Winnings go to the charity except the grand prize. The winner keeps that. A very convenient exception. I'm
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not that noble. The tickets looked identical, but my ability showed one worth many times the paper's price. I chose it. Dylan narrowed his eyes. You appraised lottery tickets, too. I liked the number. The draw was scheduled for 9
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that evening. Before then, one contender remained. Victor Stanton. He wore no tie, fought professionally in mixed martial arts, and had recently injured two Quinn bodyguards during an unauthorized sparring session. "I can't appraise paintings," Victor said. "But I can fight," Olivia immediately tensed.
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"No." "Protective gear, a referee, and sporting rules," he clarified. "Nothing crazy." I looked at Frank. He gave an almost imperceptible nod. Fine, I agreed. But if you lose, stop pressuring Olivia and abandon your attempt to join Empire through marriage. Victor offered
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his hand. Deal. Cameras were set up in the hotel gym and a licensed referee and doctor were called in. "Victor outweighed me by nearly 20 kg. You can still back out," Olivia said. "Then he'll think he's better at persuading you than I am. Even
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if he breaks your nose, I still won't choose him. Very reassuring. Victor spent the first minute testing the distance. Then he advanced, intending to finish it with brute strength. I took one punch on my guard, dodged the second, and caught him as he shifted his
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weight. Training with Ieko had taught me to use an opponent's momentum instead of fighting his mass. I threw him, moved into a hold, and locked his arm. Victor tried to escape, understood his position, and tapped the mat. The entire
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fight lasted less than 2 minutes. I released him immediately and helped him up. "You could have taken it further," he remarked. "We made a bet. Not a declaration of war." Victor smiled and shook my hand. "From now on, the
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Stantons are out of the game. If you need an honest partner, call me." Frank looked at me almost approvingly for the first time. Olivia just gave me a hug.
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At 9:00, guests gathered at the screen. Dylan waved his ticket and promised to spend the winnings irresponsibly. He won a prize of $5,000.
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See, luck favors the beautiful, he declared. A minute later, the grand prize number was announced and matched mine. At first, there was silence in the hall. Then Dylan burst out laughing.
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4,200,000. You're an impossible man. It sounds more modest after taxes. Now, I hate you for being practical, too. I donated some of the winnings to the same charity and decided to invest the rest in my own projects. It was the first large sum not
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linked to Empire Group. Eric Holloway came up later. If your portfolio wins, I want to know how you choose companies. I look at what they're worth now and what everyone else overlooks. That doesn't explain anything. Then I gave the right
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answer. Olivia heard the conversation. You're starting to gather allies. She said, "No, people prefer to be friends with those who win. Sometimes it's the same thing. When the last guests dispersed, the three longtime shareholders demanded a private conversation. An agreement signed by
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Empire's founders many years earlier was placed on the table. If an heir chose a partner outside the shareholders families, that partner had to renounce voting shares, disclose their assets, and prove financial independence. Within 3 years, he must build a business that
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can survive without Empire contracts, Malcolm Voss added. Otherwise, the board may restrict Olivia's role in management. It's not a family rule, it's blackmail, she said. It's protecting the company. I read the document. The conditions were humiliating, but left
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one fair path. All right, 3 years. Olivia turned abruptly. You don't have to say yes. I was going to build my own business anyway. They're using you. Only if I let them. She remained silent at the lake for a long time, then asked,
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"What if it doesn't work? Then I'll try again, but I won't give you to them.
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Sometimes you sound terribly sure of yourself. You like it? She pressed her shoulder against me. Sometimes Richard called us into the office and closed the door. The agreement wasn't born out of concern for the family. He said Empire's first owners used shell
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companies, bribes, and smuggled shipments. Each held evidence against the others. The inheritance rules became a system of mutual control. Olivia turned pale. Did you know not everything? After the attempt on my life, I dug through the old archives.
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Voss, Shaw, and Price fear you'll gain full control and expose the past. Is that why they tried to weaken you?
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Probably, but there's not enough evidence yet. He looked at me. By publicly accepting their terms, you will be a convenient target. They will decide that it is enough to destroy your reputation or business and you'll have time to clean up the company's
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structure. Richard nodded. Exactly. I have no right to ask for that. Then don't ask. Olivia snapped.
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He's not bait. I took her hand. If they focus on me, Frank will have fewer unknown lines of attack. You talk about yourself as a chess piece. A chess piece can choose its move, too. I only agreed to participate under two conditions. I
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don't need Empire shares or a position obtained through Olivia. I said all my projects remain independent. Second, the board stays out of our personal lives.
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Malcolm Voss chuckled. You're setting conditions for a company whose value you can't even imagine. No, I put conditions on people who are too used to confusing the company with themselves. Richard signed a separate agreement. It protected my assets, prohibited imposing
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a prenuptual agreement without mutual consent and stipulated that I could access Empire's resources only at market rates. Now they will believe you accepted the challenge, he said. And you'll start an investigation. Olivia was still against it. If anything
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happens to him, she warned her father. I will not care about the company or your arrangements. Richard replied quietly.
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That's why Frank will have full control of security. I looked at her. We'll be fine. You promised too easily because the hard part will still have to be done. The next day, Richard called in the press and announced that Olivia and
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I were in a relationship and that I had accepted the board's three-year independence program. The news spread faster than the portrait video. Mother called first. Ryan, are you being forced to change your last name? No.
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Moving in with them? Not that either. My father took the phone. If they want to take our son, tell them we're resisting.
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No one's taking me away. You're getting a daughter. If anything, my mother immediately changed her tone. When's she coming over? After the call, Olivia asked, "Are they scared?" only that I'd become a Quinn. Sounds good. My father is already preparing an
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operation to save the name Hayes. On the way to New York, she fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. I watched the highway lights, thinking that the public announcement had changed the number of people who stood to benefit from
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destroying our relationship rather than the relationship itself. Jake was waiting at the house. I knew from his face that there would be no quiet evening. Jake admitted to learning the truth about Brook's apartment, but continued the relationship anyway. I
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understand what it looks like, he said. I'm just not ready to end it. Then don't stop. Just don't sign the documents and don't give up control of the store. The three of us went to dinner. Olivia separately warned Jake. Each expense of
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the store must be confirmed by both partners. Vanessa can turn any unaccounted amount into a charge against you. You both think I'm a kid?" "No," she replied. "At least children are afraid of unfamiliar contracts." The waiter brought a dish we didn't order.
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Compliments of the kitchen. I saw a strange mismatch of value on the plate. The food was normal, but one sauce seemed to have a negative price. "Don't touch it," I said. Olivia took her hand away. Jake froze with the fork. In the
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sample, a concentrated veterinary drug was later found that could cause respiratory arrest. Cameras showed that the plate was handed over by a young waitress who received $500 from an unknown man. This is no longer a warning, Olivia said. No, it's a
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mistake. Whose? I looked at the save tape. The person who decided I wouldn't track down the source. We took Jake home and security escorted Olivia. Before we parted, she squeezed my hand tightly. Don't do anything without me. I'll just talk to
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the witness. That's exactly what people say before getting into trouble. The next morning, the waitress didn't show up for work. Frank found the address of her staff apartment, and we arrived with police and paramedics. The young woman lay on the floor, disoriented. Empty
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food wrappers and a bottle of energy drink lay nearby. Someone had given her a bag after her shift. I didn't pretend to be a doctor. Doctors stabilized her and found signs of exposure to an experimental stimulant. The young
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security guard, Noah, who was on duty at the door, was also taken to the hospital. On his wrist, he had a trace from a microscopic injection. "I went out for coffee for 5 minutes," he said.
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"That was enough," Frank replied. Forensic investigators found pesticide micro capsules and a rare laboratory marker in the bag. When the waitress regained consciousness, she described a man with a scar beside his left ear. I drew a portrait from her description.
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Frank recognized him. Silas Rook, private specialist in industrial safety, works for the Voss family. Silus Rook was listed as the head of security for the Eastgate Gem Exchange, the largest market for Rough Stones on the East Coast. The venue was formerly run by
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Valerie Voss, Malcolm's daughter. We didn't yet have direct evidence of who had ordered the attack, so we came as buyers. I selected five sealed lots of rough stones worth almost a million dollars. My ability showed that three would yield several times their cost
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after processing. You're not even going to ask us to open the containers? The seller asked in surprise. I don't want to spoil the surprise. While the purchase was being loaded, Valerie drove up to the warehouse. Half of her face
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was covered by a thin silver plate. A consequence of a long-standing accident. "Olivia Quinn is in my center," she said. "What an honor. We're accompanying the client." Olivia replied. Valerie looked me over. So, you're the man the board made such a circus over? Silus
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Rook appeared behind her. The scar beside his left ear matched the portrait exactly. He smiled and extended his hand to me. "Nice to finally meet you." I noticed a transparent film on his palm and a tiny protrusion of the ring.
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"Likewise," I said without moving. "But first, show me what's up your sleeve." Silus's smile disappeared. I don't know what you mean. Then it will be easy for you to raise your hands. Frank turned on the camera. Nearby were already two
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detectives monitoring the warehouse after the assassination attempt at the restaurant. Silas lunged toward the exit. A small applicator fell from his sleeve. Valerie tried to catch it, but the container burst, spraying them both with a costic liquid. They screamed. The
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guards retreated and I used an emergency shower against the wall to flush the substance away before the medics arrived. You could have left us on fire.
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Valerie exhaled. I want answers, not corpses. Silus's belongings contained micro syringes, laboratory capsules, and photographs of the waitress. His phone retained messages from an anonymous contact registered to a Voss family contractor. It doesn't prove anything against my family, Valerie said. Proves
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enough for the police to pick up your security chief, Olivia replied. Silus remained silent until he realized that Valerie was not going to take responsibility. I followed the instructions, he said. All the instructions came through her office.
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Valerie looked at him as if she had seen him for the first time. The alliance built on fear fell apart faster than I expected. Malcolm Voss called Richard that evening. He claimed Silas had acted on his own and demanded that the
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criminal case not become a corporate war. Richard started a conference call with the other two founders, Everett Shaw and Leonard Price. Eastgate is pledged as collateral under Empire's credit line, he reminded them. After the security chief's arrest, the bank is
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entitled to reassess its risk. Do you want to take my business because of an employee mistake? asked Malcolm. No, I want an independent audit and repayment of an overdue loan. Malcolm had no cash available. The other shareholders knew
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this and wouldn't rescue him for free. Valerie contacted Olivia separately. If we sell the center, will the investigation stop? No, Olivia replied.
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The criminal case is not for sale. However, commercial claims can be settled separately. That was an important boundary. We weren't trading evidence or promising immunity from the law. After 3 days of negotiations, the Voss family put Eastgate up for an
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urgent sale to cover its loan and legal fees. I combined lottery winnings, stone profits, and bank financing. The offer was lower than the previous estimate, but higher than the amount given by speculators. Malcolm signed. I renamed the Market Clear View Gem Exchange. It's
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too honest a name to trade stones blindly. Jake said that's the idea. We banned sham buyers, required video recordings of transactions, and divided the rough stones into verified lots.
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Each lot was guaranteed to contain at least one gem quality core. But buyers didn't know which stone held it. The first visitors distrusted the system.
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One businessman bought an entire lot to prove it was a scam. After six cuts revealed nothing, he was already celebrating victory. But the seventh stone exposed a transparent green core worth three times his purchase price.
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The video went viral. Within a week, visitors doubled. People teamed up, divided lots, resold shares, and watched the cutting on large screens. You turned the warehouse into an entertainment exchange, Olivia said, and reduced the likelihood that the newcomer will be
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ruined in one evening. Valerie refused to hand over the old supply channels. I expected it. Without raw materials, the system will stop, she warned. Then we'll find people who prefer a steady buyer to a family's grudge. I gave clear view
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management to Naomi Wheatley. She recently returned from a series of reconstructive surgeries and wanted to prove that she could perform as well as before. I don't need gratitude. I need discipline. I said if the tenant deceives the client, the contract is
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terminated regardless of the name. That's why I said yes. We recruited independent gemologists and installed cameras in each sawing room. Old sellers grumbled, but the turnover grew. In parallel, Olivia opened three skin care and restoration centers at licensed
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clinics. Milbrook formulas were used only after dermatological tests and rehabilitation was handled by doctors and physical therapists. No promise to cure everything. I insisted only what the research confirms. You've become more careful, she said. I've begun to understand the cost of impressive
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claims. Naomi was the first to undergo a burn recovery program. The scars did not miraculously disappear, but became softer. The facial expressions returned, and the pain almost went away. When she smiled freely for the first time, Clear View staff applauded. "Don't get used to
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it," Naomi said. "In a minute, I'll start firing the offenders again." Marco Ruiz, head of an Arizona transport company, brought the first major shipment after our break with the Voss family. He warned us honestly. Other markets require you to be the last to
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choose. Everyone's afraid of your luck. Then I'll choose sealed trucks without breaking their seals. I walked along the convoy and pointed to five trucks. Three lots promised a profit. The other two would at least avoid a loss. At lunch,
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Marco said he had spent his savings on treating his mother, and his wife had left with the children to visit her parents. I didn't promise a cure. I called an oncologist I knew helped prepare documents for a support program
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and paid for an independent consultation. A worn yellow stone in a cracked setting hung around Marco's neck. A family talisman, he explained.
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It survived an accident with me. The ability showed a rare old topaz and the work of a famous master. If you are ready to sell, I will give you 80,000 after the examination. Marco thought I was joking. When the appraiser confirmed
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the price, he remained silent for a long time. That's enough to bring the family home. Then talk to your wife first.
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Money doesn't fix everything automatically. When we parted, we were more than just buyer and supplier. That evening, Jake sat on the couch in the dark. "Let's have a drink," he suggested. In a small bar by the house, he confessed to cheating on Brooke.
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"Vanessa introduced him to Clare Park. Beautiful, attentive, and all too well aware of his income." "I knew it was a setup," Jake said. "But I went along anyway. Then don't call yourself a victim," he winced, but nodded. I broke
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up with Brooke. I gave her the right to the apartment I was going to buy just to end the argument. You didn't have to pay for your own guilt with real estate. At least now I can't accuse her of being
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calculating. I turned out to be no better. Clare soon suggested that Jake hand over all his income to her for a shared goal. Vanessa had already redirected some of the shop's profits into Clare's account. "Did you sign an
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authorization?" I asked. "No. Then don't sign one retroactively and decide whether you want a relationship where both people keep a secret tally from day one. What if there are no others? There are other kinds. You just can't buy them faster than you can get
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to know someone. We met Natalie at the same bar. She came with Ethan Ford, the owner of one of the stores in Clear View. Ethan first thought I was trying to win back my ex. Then he recognized me
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and instantly changed his tone. Mr. Hayes, it was in your scheme that my turnover tripled. Natalie looked at him in surprise. You said you were just renting space from a big company. That's right. Ryan advises the management. I
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didn't correct him. Ethan ordered more food and began discussing the vacant shop next to his. His friends left, but he stayed, hoping for an advantage in securing the lease. On the usual terms, I said, "If the offers are equal, your
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application will be considered first. That's enough." Natalie later asked, "Are you working at Clear View now? You could say that." She smiled, but there was a familiar doubt in her eyes. Every time she thought she understood my life, a new part opened
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up. Jake watched them go, "Will you ever tell people everything at once? Then we'll have nothing to talk about. I was woken up by Adeline Morrow on Saturday.
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I'll be at your house in 20 minutes, she said. Is that a warning or a threat?
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Gratitude. I'm back in New York filming and I decided to help your market. She had landed the lead in a series about an appraiser of rare objects. The producers agreed to film several episodes at Clear View and feature Milbrook Cosmetics on
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screen. In the car, Adeline hugged me as if the cameras were already working. Did you miss me? I was afraid of your fans, so I didn't allow myself. Coward.
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The director, producer, and five investors attended lunch. They were particularly interested in whether I could help select stones. I'm responsible for the marketplace's integrity, not anyone else's luck, I warned. The main investor, Grant Pike, laughed. Then at least you'll keep us
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from being cheated. After lunch, the group went to Clear View. I asked Naomi to assign escorts and watch the middlemen who lured newcomers into dubious shops. I stayed in her office to discuss filming safety. It was at this
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time that Grant decided the rules applied to everyone but him. Young actress Ava Lane was invited to the set at the last minute. At the entrance, a woman chatted with her, assuring that one store gave out a winning stone to
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almost every customer. Ava repeated it to Grant. He spent $300,000 and found nothing of value. You brought us to the crooks, he accused the girl. Now you'll correct the mistake. It was clear from his tone what kind of service he was
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going to demand. Adeline stood between them. She doesn't owe anyone anything. I suggested a different solution. Ava's calling a number. I choose the appropriate stone. If I lose, I'll make up for the purchase. If I win, Grant stops the pressure and apologizes. 300,
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Ava whispered. I counted the stones to stop at the right place. Inside was a pure emerald barrel worth almost 400,000. Grant immediately cheered up.
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Forgotten? No, I said. The money's back. Your words remain. He reluctantly apologized to Ava. The owner of the store tried to buy the find for half the cost. Grant refused and loudly declared that there were no good stones in the shop. Then
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the sellers began to come to us. The shop owner demanded the stone as compensation for reputational damage.
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Men with crowbars and adjustable wrenches appeared behind him. Grant instantly lost his courage. Let's make a deal. We've already agreed," Naomi said as she walked in with security. "Your store violated the ban on dummy intermediaries, hid some of the sales,
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and threatened customers." She showed footage from the shared corridor cameras. The woman who had lured Ava was receiving money from the seller. The lease is terminated. Clear the room after checking the inventory. The owner grabbed a wrench and charged at Naomi.
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One of Frank's officers caught his arm, pinned him to the floor, and waited for the police. No exemplary beatings were required. The cameras, the contract, and the two witnesses were more convincing.
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Grant looked at me differently than he did this morning. Does Naomi report to you? She runs Clear View. But the whole market belongs to Ryan. Naomi finished.
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Adeline grinned. I told you he wasn't just a consultant. Grant lifted a glass of water to a new acquaintance. Then I didn't join the toast. His smile held too much calculation. The series was launched in a week. Clear view got free
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ads. Tenants got new visitors and Ava got a few extra scenes. She really turned out to be talented. Adeline took the girl under protection and did not allow investors to be alone with her.
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Naomi, meanwhile, completed a course of rehabilitation. Doctors warned that the individual scars would remain, but the movements no longer caused pain. "I owe you life," she said. "You owe the doctor's payment for their services. You owe me good reports. I'm serious." "Then
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don't live solely to repay your debt to the Quinn family. Find a goal of your own." She considered it. "What if my goal is to help Olivia? It can be a part of life, but not the whole of life." In
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the evening, Adeline called and offered to see the snow by the river. After a 5-minute walk, the cold wind overcame the romance and we hid in a small restaurant with waterfront windows. "You still know how to turn a date into a
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business meeting," she said. "It's not a date." "That's what I'm talking about." The phone rang before our main courses arrived. Grant Pike was found beaten up in a hotel room. The door had been broken down, furniture overturned, and
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two of Grant's bodyguards had suffered fractures. Grant sat with ice packs on his face, angrier than he was in pain.
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"Your acquaintances attacked me," he declared. "Two girls working as extras. Where are they?" "Escaped. One broke my man's arm." Grant demanded compensation and threatened to stop filming. But the evidence in the room told a different story. Two glasses stood on the table,
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one with residue inside. A used package of a powerful sedative lay on the carpet. Did they come voluntarily? I asked. I invited them to discuss rolls.
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Then why did you spike their drinks? He stopped talking. That's when Emma called. Ryan, I'm in the hospital with Aiko. We're fine, but we're in trouble.
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My hands were shaking. Stay there. I'll be there. Grant tried to bring the conversation back to his losses. I leaned over to him. If the lab confirms the drug, your problems are just beginning. Emma and Ieko had decided to
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work as extras, hoping to see Adeline. Grant said she was waiting at the hotel and used my name. in the room. He offered them water. Within minutes, Emma grew drowsy. When Grant tried to restrain her, Aiko intervened. The
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bodyguards blocked the door. Iiko warned them twice, then used what she had trained for all her life. She knocked one off balance, locked the others arm, and smashed the door open with a fire evacuation chair. "I was afraid that I
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would be expelled for the fight," she admitted. "It was self-defense," I replied. Cameras in the hallway and tests will confirm that. Emma squeezed her hand. If it wasn't for Ieko, I don't know what would have happened. We handed
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over the clothes and glasses to the police, and Empire's lawyer secured an immediate ban on Grant from contacting the girls. Adeline refused to continue filming until he was suspended. "The project will lose funding," the director warned. "Then we'll find other funding,"
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I said. I called Nolan Mercer. He listened and replied, "Send the budget. If the series really is good, you'll have a new investor tomorrow." Nolan didn't just replace Grant's money. He increased the budget under the condition of an independent audit and new safety
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rules for actors. "I'm investing in the series, not in the right to control people," he declared during the video conference. Grant, meanwhile, tried to present himself as a victim of an attack. His lawyers demanded that the charges be dropped, offering the girls
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money and rolls. Emma turned it down first. I don't want a roll that is bought with silence. Aiko nodded. Me too.
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Police obtained toxicology, hotel records, and employee testimony. The case has become too public to be hidden.
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Grant called me. We can work things out among ourselves. No, you'll destroy the project with me. The project is already continuing without you. He fell silent, then said quietly, "You'll regret it." I kept a recording of the conversation. Frank said two
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kidnapping specialists linked to Grant's men had arrived in New York. "It seems he didn't understand the lesson," he said. Then let him explain his intentions in front of witnesses. Before dealing with Grant, I spoke to Jake again. He said Vanessa was transferring
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part of the shop's profits to Clare, calling it his personal share. She asks to sign the permission retroactively. He said, "Don't sign." I wasn't going to, but if I start arguing, Clare will think I don't trust her. You don't trust her. Jake, stop
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talking. I suppose I want proof that I was wrong. then set the price of this proof, not just the money. We checked the accounts. Expenses Jake had approved were recorded without Vanessa's signature. She demanded his approval for transfers benefiting her. If a conflict
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arose, the arrangement would let her accuse him of unauthorized spending. Olivia warned, he muttered. Correct the paperwork now. Later will be too late.
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Jake sent the partners a request to conduct an audit and temporarily froze non-mandatory payments. If everything falls apart, will I lose the store? No.
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You lose the illusion that a good relationship replaces a contract. He grinned. Sometimes I think you're friends with me for the case studies. The material certainly is rich. The next day, a dispute broke out in Clear View. Five
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buyers bought the rest of the batch for 150,000, but none of the stone was suitable material. In our system, that was impossible. The store belonged to Ethan Ford. Natalie worked at the counter. The cameras haven't recorded since this morning, she admitted. I
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forgot to restart the system after the update. Naomi replied coldly. Under the contract, when the recording is disabled, the tenant is responsible. We immediately refunded the buyers twice their money to preserve trust in the market. Then we compared receipts. Of
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the 20 stones, 11 were sold, but only eight remained in the batch. "One is missing," Naomi said. Ethan ran in 10 minutes later and accused Natalie of negligence. "Because of you, I'm going to lose the store. She was responsible
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for the camera, not the warehouse," I pointed out. "It's our relationship. Stay out of it. The relationship is yours. The lot is mine. Ethan demanded that I leave his store. Naomi looked at him almost with pity. All clear view
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belongs to Ryan. You just kicked out the owner of the premises. Ethan didn't believe it at first. Then he found my name in the lease and suddenly became more polite. Mr. Hayes, this is a misunderstanding. Natalie is going to
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make it right. Don't put anything on her that she didn't do. The store's cameras were silent, but the recording of the common corridor survived. In the morning, Ethan handed the buyer one stone, accepted the cash, and did not
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make the deal in the system. The stone was cut elsewhere, finding $50,000 worth of material. That stone had provided the guarantee for the entire lot. I was going to do it later, Ethan explained.
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You broke the rules, concealed the sale, and forced the market to pay compensation. The lease is terminated after inventory. When we got out, Ethan caught up with Natalie. Talk to him. He still cares about you. She looked at him
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as if she had heard the final answer to a long-running question. When I made a mistake, you humiliated me in front of everyone. When it turned out you were the one at fault, you decided to use me as currency. Natalie took off the key to
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the store and put it in his hand. Deal with it yourself. In the evening, she called me. Can I meet you? Not for Ethan. We met at a small restaurant.
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Natalie ordered a beer and looked out the window for a long time. When I left you, I thought I was choosing adulthood.
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She said, "Reliability, apartment, normal work. And today, I realized that all this time I chose other people's promises. You made a choice from what you knew then. Why don't you hate me? I did hate you briefly. Then I got too
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busy. She laughed through her tears. We remembered the university, the cheap coffee, and the plans that seemed huge.
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But when Natalie asked me if I was thinking about the past, Olivia appeared before my eyes. Sometimes I honestly answered. I just don't want to go back there. Natalie drank more than she was going to. It wasn't safe to leave her
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alone in the hotel in this condition, so I offered to have a guest room at my place. And Olivia, I'll let her know. At home, I left water, clean clothes, and a note. I went upstairs to Olivia's apartment. She had
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added access to my key card long ago. From the couch, I sent a message.
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Natalie's in the guest room. I'm at your place. I'll explain in the morning. No reply came. Olivia was still at work.
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Olivia came back closer to midnight. First, she came to me and saw Natalie in the guest room. "Is Ryan here?" Natalie asked, visibly confused. "If he's not here, he's at my place." "Aren't you mad?" "I trust him, and I see two
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separate rooms." Olivia wished her good night and went upstairs to her apartment. I was asleep on the couch, fully dressed. The sound of the water woke me up this morning. In my halfsleep, I forgot that I was on the
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floor above and opened the bathroom door. Olivia was standing behind the matte glass of the shower. I turned away instantly. Excuse me. Wrong apartment.
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Very convincing. We have the same layout. Close the door, Ryan. I carried out the order and heard her laugh. 10 minutes later, she came out in her robe.
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Thank you for coming here, she said. I didn't want to give you reason to doubt.
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You created a reason to wonder why my official partner is still sleeping on the couch. Is that a complaint? Olivia kissed me on the cheek. For now, a warning. We had breakfast in a cafe across from the Empire Pawn Shop, the
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same place where we used to argue over who would pay for the porridge. I'm paying today, Olivia said. Then I'll take the most expensive. Some people don't change. After breakfast, I called Natalie. She apologized for the previous evening and asked me to help her find
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work. What can you do and what do you want? I asked. I want to stop depending on the person I'm dating. I offered an administrator position in one of the skin restoration centers. Not a gift.
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Probation, training, and regular salary. That's good for me. Emma also asked to work there part-time. Iiko was already training as a physical therapy assistant and planned to work weekends. Do you even know how to meet clients? I asked
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my sister. I can smile and say welcome without a diploma. I'm not sure about smiling, then come and check. Olivia overheard the conversation. Let her work. It'll do her good to see how much effort even one difficult client takes.
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Did you conspire? We call it human resources management. A few days later, I brought Adeline and Ava to the center.
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They had to evaluate the service before the ad shoot. Emma greeted us with an impeccably professional expression.
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Welcome. How can I help, Emma? It's me. Personal conversations after shift, sir. Adeline turned away, hiding her laughter. Then pick the best programs for us, I said. With pleasure. The price of the premium package starts at $10,000. Are you getting revenge now?
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I'm offering company services. I bought Adeline and Ava annual memberships. Emma immediately stopped pretending not to know me. Why spend so much? They don't live in New York full-time. 5 minutes ago, you called it the best choice.
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While the girls were undergoing treatments, I went to a massage in a separate office. Frank warned in advance that Grant's men were watching the center. The new employee came in quietly from her shoes and tools. I knew she
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hadn't worked here a day. She touched my neck with a shock applicator. I let my body go limp. By the time I was taken out the back door, the phone was already transmitting geoloccation to Frank and Nolan. I came to in a closed lounge on
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the outskirts of the city. My hands were bound with plastic cable ties. Grant sat opposite me with two friends. Nearby stood a man and woman whom police had linked to several kidnappings. "We can finally talk quietly," Grant said.
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"Usually, a phone is enough for a conversation." He demanded that I withdraw Emma and Aiko's statements, restore his stake in the series, and publicly declare the conflict a misunderstanding. What if I say no? Your sister Aiko and Olivia aren't under
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guard every hour of the day either. His friends laughed. I lowered my head so they wouldn't notice the recording indicator light up on my watch. Even if I agree, the police won't close the case. You'll find a way. They think
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you're smart. The kidnapper put a knife to my neck in an attempt to speed up the decision. I tested the tension of the cable ties. They were strong but fastened incorrectly. You should have hired professionals, I said. The woman
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grinned. We are professionals. Then why didn't you take my watch? The fun disappeared from their faces. Grant rushed to my arm, but it was too late.
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Nolan heard the conversation live and the police got the coordinates. "Smash the watch!" Grant shouted. The kidnapper raised his knife. I broke the improperly tightened cable tie, deflected his wrist, and pinned his arm to the table.
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I struck the second attacker in the knee with the edge of a chair to keep him back. I wasn't trying to beat five. All I had to do was hold on. The door opened in 20 seconds. Frank came in first,
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followed by a tactical police force. Olivia stayed in the hallway, but I could tell from her face that this decision was hard on her. Grant raised his hands. It was a private meeting with drugs, a bound man, and threats against
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his family. The detective asked. In the ambulance, Olivia saw a cut on my neck.
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You let yourself be used as bait again. But now it's all recorded. Do it again and I'll lock you in the house myself on your floor. She wanted to get angry, but she couldn't. Yes. And the couch won't
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be there anymore. Grant was charged with kidnapping threats falsifying evidence, and attempting to intimidate witnesses. His accompllices accepted plea deals, and described previous assignments. The Pike family immediately suspended him from running the distillery, but the scandal revealed old
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debts and questionable payments. The banks demanded additional collateral. Nolan proposed not to destroy the enterprise, but to enter it through a legal restructuring. They have a good factory and poor management, he said.
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That's a familiar story. No revenge on a family for one person. Agreed. We'll offer capital on condition of an independent board and protection for jobs. Our consortium acquired 49% of Pike Distilling. A new board retained control and Grant's name disappeared
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from operational management. I offered a line of non-alcoholic tinctures and aged drinks with a transparent composition.
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Nolan looked at the calculations. This is the first business you build without empire. Not the last. 3 years already.
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The day they decided to set the deadline. Luis Morales called late that evening. We got a strange box. Inside the old wooden parts the owner wanted to throw away. He sent a video. Among the broken pieces lay a darkened bracelet
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covered in wax and paint. My ability showed a price that made me sit up straighter. Cleaning revealed a rare aromatic wood and the hallmark of a workshop that had served a railway magnate early in the previous century.
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From the trash, Nolan asked, examining the find. People throw away history when they don't know what they're holding. I gave him the bracelet after an independent examination, not for the sake of flattery. The thing suited a man who loved big stories and told them even
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louder. Now I understand why you need a recycling yard, he said. But one yard yields too little material. Exactly.
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I proposed a network of small collection centers in old cities. Managers would receive all regular profits plus a separate bonus for potentially valuable objects. A video of each find would be sent to me for an initial appraisal.
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Nolan tapped his finger on the bracelet. If one thing in a hundred turns out to be like this, I will participate. We started with five cities. Nolan did real estate and logistics. Louis train managers and I developed a simple system
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for verifying the origin of items. No purchases without documents. I warned we are saving things from landfills, not creating a market for stolen goods. In the first month, the network found old theatrical posters, a silver set, a photographers's archive, and furniture
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of a famous American designer. Most of the items cost moderately, but together they paid off the costs. Nolan offered to open an exhibition hall. People need to see that history doesn't just live in museums, and you want a nice place to
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party. One doesn't interfere with the other. Alongside my stake in Pike Distilling, Clear View, and Louis's Yard, the project was becoming the foundation of my independent group. Jake finished the audit, too. Vanessa returned the controversial transfers and agreed to double confirmation of
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expenses. Clare vanished as soon as she realized that access to the money was closed. "I'm alone again," Jake said.
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"But the store is yours. You know how to comfort. Next time, choose a person before the joint account. Nolan and I were celebrating the agreement in a small hotel function room when Olivia entered. She had heard the last part of
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our conversation. I didn't want to build my future on her surname. Do you still think you have to be worthy of me first?
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She asked. No, I think I need to remain myself beside you. Nolan got up. I think I'll leave you. Romance is ruining my appetite. Olivia sat next to me and took my hand. Clear view, recycling, the network of fines, a manufacturing stake.
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You've achieved so much in just a few months, yet you still act as though you've only begun. That's right.
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What's next? Prove to the board that their three-year deadline was too generous. She smiled.
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And then then stop thinking of our relationship as a corporate project. Olivia put her head on my shoulder. Beyond the windows, evening New York glowed. Somewhere, filming continued. Clear View received its last shipment and Emma argued with Jake about the mess in the apartment.
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The dangers haven't gone away. The longtime shareholders were still preparing the next move. But now I had my own money, my own team, and a reason not to back down. Above all, beside me was a woman for whom, for the first
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time, I wanted to build a life after victory rather than simply win. We were collecting the first exhibits for an exhibition in Louis warehouse. Iiko stopped by with Olivia and remembered the day I was kidnapped. After the attack at the hotel, she became more
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attentive to strangers at the recovery center. I noticed Grant's accomplice on the second floor and immediately texted Ryan. She said, "I asked Aeko not to interfere." I explained. Frank and the police oversaw the operation. "But when you were taken away, I called Olivia
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anyway," Ieko added. Olivia turned to me. "I can't believe everyone knew about the plan except me. You would have stopped the operation." "Of course." Nolan interrupted us by pulling a small dark cup out of the box. "What's this?"
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carved amber. Was that found in the trash, too? I showed Louis's video. The bottom drawer of another old wine cabinet held blackened fragments resembling resin. After cleaning them, a restorer assembled them into a bowl.
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Golden veins showed through its dark honeyccoled walls. "How much is it worth?" Nolan asked. "We'll know for certain after an appraisal. The hallmark belongs to a renowned American workshop from the early 20th century. I extended my hand. If you don't like it, give it
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back. Nolan pressed the cup to his chest. Don't even think about it. It will be the first exhibit of our exhibition. Nolan hid the fine back in the box. It seems that the recycling network was still a good idea. People
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threw away history, not realizing what they were holding in their hands. Now we have a way to save things like that.
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Jake had recently hired Tessa Morris. While he was away, a customer caused a scene. Tessa lost her temper and answered back, after which the woman still bought a glass sculpture for $1,100. While Tessa was packing the purchase, the woman walked behind her
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back and punched her under the elbow. The sculpture along with the box fell to the floor. Everything on the tape looked like an accident. The police called the incident a civil dispute, so the store had to return the money and write off
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the goods. She did it on purpose, Tessa insisted, and promised to come back. Jake tried to calm her down. Maybe she won't come back. I examined the shards.
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My ability reconstructed the moment of the fall. The woman had shielded her movement from the camera with her body and struck Tessa's arm precisely. It's not an accident, I said. Sounds like a wellestablished scheme. Tessa's eyes turned red. I told you if they come
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back, don't argue and call me right away. I took the fragments for restoration. At dinner, I told Nolan everything. Small shops are easy to intimidate. He said, "Let's see what they really want." Nolan smiled. I'll go with you tomorrow. I want to see how you
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solve these problems. Jake's store was blocked this morning. Inside sat people of all ages with two women standing at the entrance, swearing and driving away shoppers. The police had already visited, but the troublemakers behaved calmly in the officer's presence. As
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soon as the patrol left, it started again. I handed Tessa the restored sculpture. The damage was barely visible. If they refuse, then they do not need goods, I said. The woman didn't even look at the sculpture. That's another thing. Pay 5,000, otherwise the
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store will not open. Jake clenched his fists, but I stopped him. All right, just write a receipt that you have received full compensation and no longer have claims. After receiving the transfer, the group quickly left. I'll give you back the money, Jake said. No
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need. A long scandal would have cost more. Tessa turned away and I noticed a red mark on her cheek. Did they hit you?
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It doesn't matter. The main thing is that they left. I looked after the extortionists. No, the money closed the dispute over the sculpture, but not the assault. Nolan looked at the receipt in my hand. Is that why you paid so easily?
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They have now confirmed in writing that they have received everything. Let's take care of the rest of it. I called Frank Doyle and sent him the name on the receipt and the camera footage. Find out who these people are. 20 minutes later,
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he called back. The women's names were Dana, Marlene, and Sheila Hol. Dana owned a plumbing store. Marlene owned a small transportation company, and Sheila didn't work anywhere. The red mark on Tessa Morris cheek hasn't come off yet.
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Next to Jake was his girlfriend, Holly Foster. We're closing the store today. Let's go watch the show. At Dana's home, I chose the most expensive smart toilet.
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I need seven of them from the warehouse and without a discount. The saleswoman beamed. The bill came to almost $30,000.
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I paid and insisted they pack the goods in front of me. As the movers carried out the toilet bowls, I touched each one. Training with Ieko had taught me to find a weak point and focus force on it.
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The first toilet cracked as soon as the loaders picked it up. The second fell apart when placed in the box. A third cracked behind him. "What's with the goods?" I asked. "Probably a manufacturing defect," the saleswoman muttered. "Then keep going. I want to
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see the others." Jake, Holly, and Nolan were already filming behind me. The saleswoman ran to the computer. "Don't touch the security footage," I warned.
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She grabbed the phone, but I managed to turn on speakerphone. Dana's voice came out of the speaker. Delete the video and break the recorder. It was quiet in the store. Too late, I said. We already have copies. The police arrived earlier than
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the Holt sisters and kept the security footage. When Dana showed up, she immediately offered to talk in the office. Let's stay here, I replied. It's calmer in front of witnesses. Sheila grabbed her chest and collapsed to the floor. It's her heart. Marlene screamed.
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You've done this to her. I got the phone. I'm calling an ambulance. If the diagnosis is confirmed, I'll pay for treatment. If not, the bill goes to you.
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Sheila woke up instantly. Dana gritted her teeth. Fine. We'll refund your money and give you three identical sets. It won't work. You sell cheap plumbing under the brand name Empire Home. Her smile vanished. Two genuine display models stood in the window while the
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warehouse was full of counterfeits. I didn't present the breakages to police as manufacturing defects. The footage didn't explain their cause. Warehouse stock and delivery documents were enough to investigate the counterfeits. I called Empire's legal department and put it on speaker. prepare a lawsuit for
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brand misuse and fraud. Sheila rushed at me, but tripped over the counter and flew back. Dana finally realized she lost. "Name the amount," she asked.
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"We'll pay it off." "It's not about money. You hit Tessa and tried to destroy someone else's business. Now answer for it under the law." Dana returned to Jake $5,000 received on receipt. Empire lawyers separately dealt with forgeries and the attack on Tessa.
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Already in the car, Jake asked, "Did you know about the fakes beforehand?" "No, I came to return your 5 grand and I found something more serious. Remind me never to fight with you," Nolan said. At lunch, Nolan demanded to explain why the
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plumbing had crumbled from the usual touch. I poured water into a cup and handed it to him. As soon as Nolan put the cup on the table, a network of cracks ran across it. A trick? Jake asked. Let's call it a trick. Holly
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smiled unwittingly. She later went home and Jake suddenly asked me to take him to my place. In the apartment, he was silent for a long time, then smoked at the open window. What do you think of her? Holly's really worried about you.
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She already controls the cash register and wants to manage the money from the paintings. Sometimes I feel like she doesn't want me. She wants the store.
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Then talk to her straight. What if she leaves? Then you were afraid of losing your familiar life, not love. Jake frowned.
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That's easy for you to say. Nothing like that. You just can't blame someone for something they haven't done yet. You let her make all the decisions and now you're angry that she's used to it. He put out the cigarette. So, we're both at
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fault. That's usually the case. Jake nodded. He didn't like the answer, but that's why he listened. I met Nolan at the hotel on Sunday. With him was his new girlfriend, Kylie Montros, a spectacular brunette who spoke to him as
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if they had been arguing for years. Find me a real treasure today, Nolan demanded when we arrived at the antiques market.
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Treasures don't come by order. In one shop, I noticed a box of rough clay figurines. There were 18. Each depicted a person in a strange pose. How much? I asked. 8,000? replied the owner. Family thing. Nolan almost choked. For those
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ugly toys. I offered five, but the seller only conceded to seven. I paid. I thought you said they were worthless.
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Nolan said nothing for resale. Then why did you buy it? Because they're priceless to me. We were stopped on the street by Douglas Ren, a well-known appraiser and a longtime acquaintance of Nolan's father. He looked at the figures
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and chuckled. Young man, you've been tricked. I took one piece and compressed it. The outer shell was showered with gray dust, revealing a finely executed statueette hidden inside. Douglas stopped smiling. The inner figurine captured motion so precisely that the
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craftsman seemed to have frozen a living person. I copied its pose and Douglas involuntarily swayed in response. "What have you just done?" he asked. "I've shown you why I'm not going to sell it." Figures were a textbook disguised as
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cheap crafts. 18 postures were formed into a single system of movement, breathing, and balance control. The old master hid it from random owners under a second layer of clay. Douglas returned the statueette and hastily left with the students. Nolan was shining. It's the
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first time I've seen him fail to have the last word. You'd better find a purchase instead of rejoicing at someone else's defeat. We walked around a few more rows and met Douglas again. Now he was arguing with elderly collector
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Howard Ashcraftoft about an expensive enamel vase. The real one, Douglas argued. A late copy, Howard objected. A young woman named Vivian Harwood stood nearby. The vase was a gift for her grandfather's milestone birthday, and she clearly didn't know whom to believe.
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"Ryan, settle this for us?" Howard asked. I sighed, couldn't say no. I lifted the vase, supporting its base with my palm, and ran a fingernail over the enamel. Its ring was uneven. The dust left on my palm revealed an
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irregular pattern of internal partitions. "A copy," Howard said. "Circus stunt," Douglas cut off. "I didn't argue. On the next table, a deformed bronze statue caught my attention. The seller asked for $180,000 for it. Nolan Pay. He was animated, but
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Douglas intervened. Don't even think, is a spoiled decorative bronze. Out of respect for his father's acquaintance, Nolan backed down. Then I bought the statue myself. Explain at least what is valuable in it, Douglas demanded. Vivien handed me lipstick. I applied it evenly
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on my palm, put the statue on top, and hit the bronze with my fingers. A clean hum rolled through the hall. A clear outline of the original form appeared on my palm, including a small cavity in the statue's chest. Howard turned pale. It's
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not a statue. It's a reoquary. Douglas put on his glasses and looked at the print for a long time. 15th century court workshop. And there's something inside. Vivien added, "I wrapped up the purchase. The only way to find out is by
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opening it, and I'm not going to destroy what's gone through five centuries. Viven asked me to return the lipstick.
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It's part of history now, she explained. Nolan waited for us to leave and slapped me on the shoulder. I came for the treasure and you bought it. I offered you first. I was prevented from showing sanity. Kylie laughed.
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You usually call someone else's credit card sanity. Howard later explained to Vivien and Douglas that similar reoquaries were created for the courts of European rulers. In the hidden cavity was placed a jewel, a particle of relics or a message. Even a damaged statue
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could be worth a fortune if it could be restored. Douglas had to admit his mistake. When Howard told him I was also an artist working under the pseudonym three millennia, he was utterly bewildered. Vivien came to New York just
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for my paintings. She needed a gift for her grandfather's 80th birthday, but Jake's cue stretched for months. Who can convince Ryan? She asked. Olivia Quinn, Howard replied. But I wouldn't recommend using her name. Viven called the family after all. A few hours later, Richard
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Quinn called me. Ryan, show the Harwoods some consideration. They're important partners for Empire. The request was polite, but too serious to ignore. That evening, Vivien added me to her contacts. "What's hidden inside the statue?" she asked. "I don't know." "I
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don't believe it." "Then why ask?" She sent a laughing emoji and reminded me of the meeting. Olivia called almost immediately. "Has Vivien written to you yet?" "Yes, interested in the reoquary." "Just a reoquary?" I heard an unusual alertness in her voice. I can cancel the
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meeting and block her. Don't be silly. My father asked you to help. Then you'll be there tomorrow. I'm not going to entertain the Harwood Aerys alone.
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Olivia stopped talking. All right, I'll check in in the morning. Before bed, Vivien sent a photograph of her grandfather and a brief message.
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He's a veteran who's collected rare objects all his life, but hardly anything makes him happy anymore. I want to surprise him one last time. That sounded sincere. I told her I'd show her some work, but I didn't promise
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anything. That's enough, she wrote. However, another message came next, and yet you know what's hidden in the statue. I turned off my phone. A very persistent guest began to tire me even before the official meeting. I took the
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reoquaryy to Empire's restoration laboratory. A scan confirmed the cavity in its chest, but the edges were so thin that opening it would damage the casing.
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"You can drill a hole from the backside," the technician suggested. "No, content is no more important than the thing itself." In the picture, a small oval object was seen inside. A stone, medallion, or sealed case could not be more accurately determined.
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Howard valued the reoquary after the restoration at several million dollars. Viven will offer twice as much, he warned. Not for sale, even if Richard asks.
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He asked me to give her some attention, not give away my collection. In the evening, Richard Quinn did call again.
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The Harwoods are used to getting what they want. He said, "Be polite, but don't promise anything on behalf of Empire. Are you afraid of them?" I respect their influence. It's not the same thing. The answer came too quickly.
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Viven wants a painting for her grandfather, Richard continued. If you find something suitable, the family will remember it. What if I don't? Then let them remember that not everything is for sale. There was irritation in his voice for the first time. I realized that
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tomorrow's meeting was no ordinary service to my partner. There were old commitments between the Quins and the Harwoods that I haven't been told about yet. Olivia came to pick me up this morning with Frank Doyle. When she saw
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the correspondence, she noticed, "You quickly found a common language. I can cancel the meeting and block her. Are you serious? The women who upset Olivia Quinn don't stay long in my contacts." She smiled and told me to stop the show.
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Nolan joined us at the hotel. Kylie stayed in the room after their night fight. I asked who she would choose, me or you, he complained. You asked for it.
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She chose me because my father is richer than yours. Olivia turned to the window, hiding her laughter. "At least she's honest," I said. Nolan grimaced and rubbed his stiff neck. I realigned his vertebra with one movement. "You can do
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that, too. Don't compare yourself to me, and life will be easier. Who should I compare it to?" I pointed to the valet.
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Start with him. Take me to the airport, Nolan groaned. Viven met us at the hotel restaurant with Howard and Douglas. For the first few minutes, she only talked to me like Olivia didn't exist. Finally, Vivien turned to her. So, the rumors
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about your engagement are true. Olivia took me by the arm. Absolutely. My brother will be disappointed. He's long thought you were the perfect wife.
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Her voice sounded polite, but it immediately became colder at the table. After breakfast, we came to my Clear View Market where antique auctions were held. Vivien carefully studied the sales system, statistics, and even the movement of visitors. "You're much more
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dangerous than people say you are," she said. She later asked to speak without witnesses. "Ryan, get away from the Quinn family. Around Empire are people who want to split up the company. Is that a threat? Warning. The Quinn's old
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defense weakened and several families felt it. Is your family among them? Viven didn't answer directly. You're talented, but you don't know what you're involved in. I understand enough. If Olivia's in danger, I'm not leaving. She quietly added. Then danger will come for
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you. Vivien admitted that her family had studied me and Olivia. Having obtained medical samples without our consent, the Harwoods discovered a rare hereditary feature. An unusually high potential of the nervous system and physical adaptation. Did you steal our samples? I
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advised my brother not to do that, Vivien replied. He didn't listen. My brother spent his whole life studying with a closed community, she said. Now he has decided that Olivia should be his wife. Decided for her. In such families,
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this is considered a strategy, not a romance. I laughed without amusement. So I'm being tested and they're planning to divide her up along with the company.
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That's why I advise you to leave. And I advise you to tell your brother that if he approaches Olivia against her will, he will regret it. Viven looked at me carefully. You don't understand his capabilities. He doesn't understand
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mine. Returning to the others, she began to participate in the auction and in an hour chose several of the most promising lots. She watched the bets, counted the probabilities, and entered only at the right moment. It wasn't luck. Viven was
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able to analyze people almost as well as I did things. Olivia said quietly that she had known her since she was a child.
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We trained under the same mentor. She always turned everything into a competition. I looked at Viven across the hall. She read lips. I said silently.
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Olivia will not be your family prey. Vivien turned pale. Douglas standing next to her suddenly pressed his hand to his chest. I went up and said, "It'll get cold by tonight. He should take care of his heart and see a doctor." Vivien
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looked at me like she heard a threat. Viven abruptly cancelled the rest of the program and took Douglas to a hotel. He had a heart attack last night. Doctors couldn't save him. Viven called me this morning. You said yesterday he wouldn't
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see the dawn. I said it would get colder and he should take care of his health.
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Don't pretend. What did you do to me? You're still alive, so it's nothing irreparable. 20 minutes later, she got into my car alone. Name the terms. Tell me who is planning an attack on Empire.
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Viven explained that old alliances stood behind the largest corporations and habitually settled disputes outside court. The Quinn's protectors had been absent for years, so rivals decided the family was unprotected. "My arrival disrupted their plans. No one knew who
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had trained me or how far my abilities extended. "They will continue to check," she warned. "If you show weakness, they'll push." I handed her a small bottle, one capsule a year. Keep reporting their plans and you'll get the
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next one. Vivien swallowed the capsule without asking questions. In fact, there was no poison. I exploited her fear and coincidence with Douglas's disease. But now I have a source inside the Harwood family. Olivia called while I was on my
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way to the office. How are we going to entertain Viven today? I'm done already.
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It all started at her hotel at night and in the morning I convinced her to cooperate. There was silence.
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And did she enjoy it? Olivia asked coldly. Not really, but now she's going to cooperate at night in her room. No, I wasn't there, but it happened at her hotel. Olivia hung up. I knew something was wrong and rushed to her. She was
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sitting in the office with red eyes. Don't even come near. Did you at least take a shower? Only then did I know what she had decided. Olivia, I made Vivien believe I poisoned her. Now she's going to warn us about her family's actions. I
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explained the conversation, Douglas's death, and the dummy medication. Olivia stared at me for several seconds, then covered her face and laughed. Couldn't you have said that properly? I was perfectly accurate. You're the one with a dangerous imagination. One more word
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and I'll throw you out. I hugged her. I know now that you are jealous. Don't flatter yourself. She paid for the reconciliation breakfast herself and then took me to buy clothes ostensibly as an apology for mistrust. The next
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day, a large antiques fair opened. Jake got a separate booth and hung my new paintings with no price tags. There was a book of pre-orders nearby. We came with Nolan and Kylie. Viven was already waiting at the entrance and smiling so
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affable, as if she had not promised to find a way to free herself from my influence yesterday. There was a crowd outside Jake's booth. "How much is the landscape? Tell me at least the initial price." Jake sat with his eyes closed
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and was silent. "Is he asleep?" Vivian asked. "No, waiting for the right buyer," I guessed. Howard Ashcraftoft got her behind the fence. They looked at the paintings under the magnifying glass and became more and more serious. They were joined by the city's museum
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director, Graham Bishop. I'd sell my house for one of these, he declared loudly enough for the crowd to hear.
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These are museum quality works. Visitors stepped forward, almost capsizing the stand. At that moment came Sophie March, whom I was teaching painting. She took people away from the paintings in gentle movements and Frank Doyle's security guards restored the fence. Sophie came
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up to me and bowed slightly. Teacher, I brought my new work. I looked through Sophie's drawings. You stopped copying my style. Now they have their own voice, so I'm moving, right? Yes, but there's a lot of work to do. She hung her
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paintings next to mine. Jake put prices between5 and $10,000 and immediately warned visitors. Different artists don't confuse their work. From a distance, the difference seemed small. Under magnification, Sophie's lines lost precision, while mine retained their structure, even at 30 times
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magnification. Graham gave her an honest assessment. The price is fair. The artist has a future. Buyers were hesitant anyway. Most people didn't want art. They wanted guaranteed profits.
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Sophie was upset, but she didn't back down. I've wanted to see my work beside yours for a long time. Now I understand how wide the gap is. If you can see it, you've already grown. The greatest danger is thinking you're a master too
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soon. A young man appeared in the crowd in an expensive coat and with a defiantly old-fashioned cane. Nolan recognized him. Oscar Phelps, wealthy collector and professional talker. Oscar pointed to Sophie's paintings. I'll take them all. Then he looked at my paintings
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and smirked. These are highquality fakes. The crowd buzzed. Oscar explained that a living artist could not create such perfect works and sell them at an ordinary fair. If they were real, they would be on display at Sabes. He said,
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"We're just being played around here." Nolan lashed out. Watch your words. I stopped him. Let him finish. Oscar decided that Nolan had already bought one of the paintings and was embarrassed to admit the mistake. He talked about digital printing, multi-layer image
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transfer, and computer refinement. Sophie listened with a darkening expression. So, you buy my paintings and you call my teacher's work a fake? Oscar looked bewildered. Your teacher?
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He painted many of them in front of me. She installed a powerful magnifying glass over the canvas. Printing leaves uniform dots and obscures brushstroke direction. Here you can see individual fibers, brush pressure, and natural pigment transitions. Howard and Graham
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confirmed what she said. Oscar studied the picture for a long time, then took off his gloves and bowed to Sophie. I was wrong. I'm sorry. She softened a little. I'm not the one you need to apologize to. Oscar looked at me, not
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realizing that the artist was standing in front of him. Please give the artist my apologies, Oscar said. And tell him I'm willing to buy any of his works.
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Any, Sophie asked. One to $2 million. That's what they're worth. Fine. Choose one for 2 million. Oscar realized the trap too late. To retreat was to lose face in front of the whole room. He chose the largest landscape and
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transferred the money to Jake. It wasn't until the signing of the contract that Nolan nodded at me. Congratulations. You just bought the painting from the author. Oscar froze.
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You're three millennia sometimes. He was silent for a few seconds, then laughed. Then maybe I didn't overpay.
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Vivien bought a small male portrait for 800,000. The rest of the work Jake withdrew from sale. The first public price has already been set. Oscar tried to invite Sophie to dinner. Let's take Jake, too, so it's okay. Thank you, but
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I don't have dinner with people who can't see. Well, she said when he left, Jake wired me the whole amount. You could have kept your commission. You already gave me the business. I wanted to do something for you today. I didn't
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say anything. I just squeezed his shoulder. After the auction, we continued exploring the fair. Oscar tagged along with Nolan, hoping to speak to Sophie again. At an unremarkable stand, I spotted a heavy vessel covered in rust and hardened drips. The seller
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presented it as an antique bronze bowl and asked 80,000. Howard knocked on the metal and shook his head. Graham ran his finger over the surface. The smell of chemicals, artificial aging. 5,000. I suggested. The seller was outraged. But
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after the bargain agreed to 15. Are you buying garbage again? asked Nolan. Last time the garbage cost a few million.
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That's why I'm more scared now. Viven approached the box. Is that an ancient bronze? No.
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Then what? Lab crucible. It has been used for many years for smelting metals and preparing compounds. The growths hide the real material. Howard looked at the vessel again, now without indulgence. What's it made of? We'll find out after cleaning.
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And you paid 15 grand without knowing. I know enough, I replied. We brought the vessel to the pawn shop's workshop.
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Beneath the outer crust was an alloy that had barely oxidized in decades. A thin layer of dried compound remained on the bottom. Nolan looked inside. I hope this is not another ancient curse.
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Worse, a scientific work that everyone took for rubbish. From the traces on the surface, I reconstituted the sequence of operations. In the crucible, experimented with the purification of rare metals and heatresistant coatings.
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The formula was incomplete, but it could be repeated. Viven immediately appreciated the practical side. Such an alloy will be useful for energy and aviation. If the analysis confirms the properties, Olivia ordered the microscopic sample to be sent to
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Empire's lab without damaging the object itself. We'll get the results in a few days, she said. Oscar was still trying to figure out how I could see meaning under the mud. You're never wrong. I'm wrong. I just try not to do it in
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public. Nolan snorted. Don't believe him. All I saw in 3 days was how wrong everyone was. Viven smiled, but her eyes lingered on the crucible. She was already thinking about how to report the fine to the Harwood family and how much
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information she could keep. The next day, we returned to the fair. In one aisle, a dealer loudly offered genuine works by three millennia for $8,000.
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Viven looked at me. I hope this is not your new pricing policy. The paintings were digital copies. Graham showed flat print points under the magnifying glass instead of live lines. Are you going to sue? Oscar asked. No. Whoever chooses a
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cheap forgery is still not my buyer. Then we stopped at the old vessels. I bought for 2,000 an unusual ceramic jug with a curly handle. Viven demanded to sell it to her. 200,000.
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You just paid too. Then it'll go to Nolan. I take it, he said right away.
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Viven tried to object, but it was too late. At the restaurant, I poured cola into the jug, then placed it in a bowl of hot green tea. Tea flowed from the spout. When I covered a concealed hole in the handle, cola flowed instead. Two
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chambers, Howard realized. A vessel like this let host and guest drink different things, so I called it a bad thing. I said it was made for poisoning. Nolan carefully pushed back the purchase.
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Remind me not to serve my friends drinks from it. After dinner, I asked to deliver the crucible found and a set of Iiko herbal extracts. Everyone wanted to see what it was meant for. I put the vessel over the coals and added the
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ingredients in the right sequence. The fire burned for almost an hour, but the outer surface remained at room temperature. The metal has to get hot, Graham said. So, the heat goes in, Olivia replied. Under the layer of old
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sediments, there was a complex system of channels. They distributed the heat to individual zones and did not allow different components to overheat. I cleared the surface. The dark crust crumbled, revealing a golden alloy and a thin pattern of ventilation slots.
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Inside, the liquid extracts joined together, rotating in a stream of hot air. Nolan took out the phone. We need to film this. No.
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I closed the vessel again with a protective casing. Why not? Because in a week's time, there's going to be a queue of people who want to steal it, buy it, or destroy it. A few minutes later, the lid lifted. Five
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smooth, dark red capsules with a thin pattern on the surface fell into the bowl. Howard looked at them as museum relics. What do they do? According to the old notes, they should relieve joint pain. But first, we'll test their
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composition. The crucible purifies it more precisely than manual methods, but that still doesn't prove it's safe. A few days later, the laboratory confirmed the composition of the capsules and the absence of dangerous impurities. Viven asked for one first. My grandfather is
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80. In winter, he hardly walks because of pain in his legs. I wrapped the capsule and gave it to her after her grandfather's doctor reviewed the analyses. "How much?" she asked.
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"Nothing. It's a gift for a veteran. I kept the other four for research." Nolan offered $10,000 each for two of them, but I refused. It was too early to sell the remedy. "You turned 15,000 into a working laboratory," he said. "It's hard
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to go to the markets with you. You start to doubt the value of any garbage." The next morning, Viven reported that her grandfather had taken the capsule. At night, he had a fever and sweat. But in the morning, for the first time in
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several months, he walked through the room without a cane. He wants to thank you personally. Tell him there's no need to thank me. After that, even Viven began to treat me differently. Her family might have thought I was a
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threat, but now she has proof that my powers are more than destructive. At the fair, I bought an old doctor's battered handwritten diary. Much of the text concerned observation of patients character, handwriting, and habits. Are you going to predict the future now,
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too? Nolan chuckled. We'll check on you. I asked Nolan to write a few words. His handwriting, date of birth, and subtle changes in the way he handled the pen formed a strangely clear picture. In the past, my ability showed the past of
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things and the movement of their price. Now, the doctor's diary has helped link the disperate signs to what could have happened next. I didn't know how much you could believe that. Today, you will meet two old friends. They'll argue, and
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after you talk, you'll get a rare thing. Very convenient. If it doesn't come true, you'll tell me I spelled the letter wrong. We headed to the pavilion's northern section. Half an hour later, Nolan stopped at an antique weapons stand. Two men he had known
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since school were arguing beside it. Their family businesses went bankrupt after the breakdown of foreign contracts. They came secretly to sell the family blades because they were ashamed to ask Nolan for help. You could have called me, he said. We didn't want
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to make friendship a debt. Nolan bought a sword and a saber for $300,000 each.
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Giving his friends the right to buy them back later. The stand owner demanded an enormous commission and tried to intimidate us by splitting a brick with his palm. I picked up half the brick and broke it again. You'll get $200 for the
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space. Claim the rest in court. The seller took the money silently. Nolan looked at the blades he bought for a long time. All right, with the diary, you convinced me. It wasn't magic, just mindfulness pushed to the limit. Viven
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also wanted to try the manuscript. She wrote two words and I felt very weak.
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Such calculations took too much power. Go southeast. Skipped the first two trades and take the third. We found a stand with coins and pieces of ceramics.
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Three shoppers twisted heavy silver dollars in their hands and told them there was lead inside. By my sign, Vivien bought six coins and then all the ceramic fragments. The total price came out almost $60,000.
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"Now explain why I paid a fortune for the garbage," she demanded. At lunch, I opened one coin at the old seam. Inside was a thin gold plate with the stamp of a private mint. "The fake weight was intentional. The values were hidden in
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the shell of cheap souvenirs." Viven checked the others. Five coins had the same plates and the shards almost worthless by themselves. We can assemble one vase already. The missing parts of two other pieces are still where the seller found the horde. Where is it?
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Frank's people are already investigating. Viven raised her glass. Then I'm treating everyone today. That's exactly what I predicted. In the evening, I revisited the diary and decided to check on Jake's near future.
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The picture was disturbing. I called him. What happened? Nothing serious. Jake. After a pause, he admitted that the store windows had already been broken five times. Dana Holts men decided to avenge the closure of her business. Jake told Holly and
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Vanessa not to tell me. I have to solve my own problems. I'll decide whether to help you or not. Ryan, you've done too much already. Your problems are no small thing to me. Dana's husband, former street racketeer Ray Hol, turned out to
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be behind the attacks. He sent masked teenagers in cars without plates to smash windows and disappear. Police couldn't connect them to the person ordering it. Tomorrow, keep working at the fair. I said, "Leave the rest to me.
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Just don't risk yourself over the shop. Too late. They raised their hand at my friend. At the other end, Jake was silent for a long time. Sometimes I feel like you're the only family I have. Stop hiding things like that from your
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family. This morning, I hung three paintings right behind Jake's new storefront. Nolan, Vivien, Howard, and Graham portrayed buyers. Holly was nervous. If they come, the paintings will die. That's why they're here.
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Vanessa saw the canvases and almost dropped the tray. After yesterday's trading, they are worth millions. Today, their task is more expensive. A few minutes later, three cars arrived at the store. Seven masked men jumped out with hammers. The glass broke inwards. Shards
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cut through the canvases. The attackers ran towards the cars, but one by one fell, clutching their legs. I used small metal balls hitting exactly on nerve points. The car tires burst almost simultaneously. "Call the police," I said. Holly looked at the ruined
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paintings with tears. "Were they really needed? They'd be fined for broken glass. For the destruction of works worth several million is a serious criminal case," one attacker swore, "we'll go out and come back tomorrow." I pointed to the paintings. Tomorrow you
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will explain how you are going to pay the damages. Experts estimated the three damaged paintings at $5 million. Howard and Graham suffered minor cuts and insisted that the attack be seen not as a window damage but as a threat to
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people. Nolan introduced himself as an investor exploring the possibility of a major project in the city. Viven made one call after which the case stopped lying at the bottom of the pile. Vanessa asked, "Did you destroy the paintings
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just for Jake? I'd lose more for him." She went pale. Apparently, she had finally understood that loyalty meant more to Jake than any stake in the shop.
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Tonight, Ray Hol invited us to a meeting. He spoke calmly and recalled that he had people near Holly, Vanessa, and Emma's homes. I dialed Iiko and put on speakerphone. "Five people have been disarmed," she said. The police are on
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their way. Then I called Frank Doyle. His group detained the others. Ray's smile disappeared. What do you want for you to confess? Who ordered the attacks?
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He grabbed a kettle of boiling water and threw it at me. I knocked it aside, splashing Ray himself. Three of his men saw it and fled. Then the police took care of it. After questioning, Jake and I walked into a small grill bar. He
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poured whiskey and kept the glass in his hands for a long time. I've learned that Clear View belongs to you. He finally said, "We graduated from university at the same time. And now I don't know who you are. The same person who shared
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cheap pizza with you. Only now you can earn more in one day than I do in a lifetime. Success is not measured by a single amount. Olivia helped me. I'm helping you. No one goes up alone." I placed Vanessa's notebook before him.
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She had recorded all Jake's expenses in detail without his signature. Evidence she could potentially present as embezzlement of company funds. She's insured in case you decide to leave and start your own business. Jake's face turned dark. And Holly.
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Vanessa introduced you to her cousin Holly intentionally and asked her to control the cash register. But Holly's feelings for you are real. What to do next? Decide for yourself. Jake drained his glass. I'm leaving the Reed's partnership. I don't want to build a
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future where I'm considered a thief. Jake came to the store early this morning. Holly washed the floor and smiled at him. Good thing you have Ryan next to him. Any problem seems simple.
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And you have Vanessa. She always thinks ahead. The mop fell out of Holly's hands. You found out everything.
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She turned pale. The money I've put aside. I won't give it back. Jake grinned sadly. I'm leaving my partnership with the reads. Do you think I care about the till? Holly looked up at him. Then why are you leaving? I
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could accept your past and forgive your fear, but you didn't give me a choice.
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You and Vanessa built the relationship like a deal from the start. Then everything changed. For you, maybe. For me, the truth came too late. He put the keys on the counter and headed for the door. Jake, wait. He stopped, but he
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didn't turn around. I really loved you, Holly said. It's a pity you trusted this love less than secret bookkeeping. Jake walked outside. Later, he formally withdrew from his partnership with the Reeds. My paintings had always been sold separately from the antiques, and we
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decided to continue that work together. When Vanessa came to the store, Holly had packed her bags. "Did Jake leave you?" she asked. "Never mind. I have records that'll make him come back quickly." Holly showed her a photograph of the missing notebook. Ryan found it
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before we did. Vanessa sank into the chair. Then the store will stay with me and Marcus. Yours? I'm leaving. After everything I've done for you, you introduced me to a good man and then taught me to fear him more than to love
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him. Before leaving, Holly added that Marcus Reed had been living apart for years for reasons unrelated to work. He had recently persuaded Vanessa to divorce so he could buy another house.
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She considered it a formality, but he already had another family. Later, Vanessa called me and asked me to check.
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Frank checked the house records and documents before I called her back. Marcus has a 2-year-old son, I said. I have nothing more to add. That evening, I rebuilt that part of Vivian's pottery that was enough for the whole thing. It
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turned out an elegant white vase with children launching a kite. Howard valued it at more than $2 million. Vivien pressed the case to her chest. Why are you giving it to me? I want you to remember that working with me isn't just
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about fear. So, it's a payoff to an informant. Advance. The next day, she left, promising that she would return again. After Vivian left, I went back to Empire. Olivia greeted me with a mocking look. Harwood called my father and congratulated him
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on his wonderful future son-in-law. What did you do to her? Made a good impression. I noticed several lines written by hand on her desk and I remembered the old diary again. In your handwriting, you are going to get
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married next year. Really? I'm worried that I won't have time to fulfill all of your father's conditions.
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Will the groom be different? Olivia instantly stopped smiling. Unless you give me up on your own. I hugged her by the shoulders. It was a bad joke. We agreed to have dinner together, but Emma called shortly thereafter. She missed me
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and wanted to see me and Olivia. Of course, I replied. I sent Olivia a message about the changed plans. A minute later, she replied. I've already cleared the evening. I invited her to a dinner party, and I stopped by to pick
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up Jake. When Olivia saw him in the back seat. Her angry face immediately became affable. As she fastened, she pinched my hand inconspicuously.
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It's for a cancelled date. So, there was a date after all. Don't be rude. Emma and Ieko were waiting for us at a restaurant near the snowy prominade.
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Emma rushed to hug Olivia. You both forgot about me. We're going to fix it.
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Olivia promised. Iiko said she worked at the wellness center after classes. Clients booked weeks ahead and the Yamamoto family's formulas had become the basis for new Empire wellness products. Olivia handed them premium Empire store cards. It's not a gift. You
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deserve it. Jake drank more than usual. Finally asked, "Why does my relationship always turn into a fight? You and Olivia are different." I answered honestly. You give everything to a person too quickly and then you're afraid to demand
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respect. Someone who loves you will cherish trust, not use it as leverage. So next time I'll bring the girl to check in with you. Olivia raised her eyebrow. Ryan's a relationship specialist now. I was lucky with a single case. I said, "That's enough.
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Under the table, she found my hand and squeezed my fingers. Snow fell outside the window. Jake was still going through a breakup, but for the first time, he wasn't talking about how to get Holly back. He was talking about what kind of
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person he wanted to be. Nolan asked to introduce him to Aiko. I just want to see the girl that everyone is talking about. If you promise her easy money and then you make her work everyday, the friendship ends. I'm offering her a job.
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Kylie knows that. At Empire Wellness, we were first met by Madison Carter. Nolan thought it was Ieko and was visibly confused. No, I said it's Madison. Then Emma came down. Nolan looked at me again. Then her.
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My sister. Are you confusing me? At last, Aiko appeared. After work, she collected her hair and changed into a simple dark dress. Nolan, who usually did not lose his words, remained silent for a few seconds. I go bowed slightly.
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Nice to meet you. He removed his outstretched hand for shaking hands and awkwardly straightened his tie. I work in digital platforms and production. You could make a lot more money from videos and broadcasts than you do here. I don't want to be famous
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and the road to your grandfather's village. Iiko looked at me. I realized that Nolan had found a single argument that she couldn't immediately dismiss. I explained the offer to Ieko. She would make short videos about training, health, and family remedies. Nolan would
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provide promotion. Empire would handle production and a transparent share of sales. Once I've earned enough for the road, can I leave? She asked. Any day, Nolan replied. No fines or hidden conditions. Then I'll try. Before filming, I handed her a notebook with
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the Yamamoto family's restored exercise system. Iiko read a few pages and gave me a stunned look. These movements have been corrected, the ones Grandpa thought were lost. How do you know them?
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Compared the old manuals and your technique. She asked me to demonstrate an exercise. I took a cold cup and warmed its water with my palms. Steam rose from the surface. Emma touched the cup and jerked her hand away. You sure
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you're my brother? Unfortunately, the documents confirm. Emma filmed the first video. Aiko performed a short sequence with a wooden sword, then explained how sleep, nutrition, and movement affect recovery. There were no grand claims, only her experience and the products
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ingredients. It's too calm, Nolan remarked. But people will believe it, I said. The video was posted that evening.
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Within a day, it had tens of thousands of views. Viewers argued over whether Aiko used filters, so in the second video, Emma disabled processing during the recording. Iiko's face has hardly changed. "It's impossible," Kylie mumbled as she watched the video with
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us. "Maybe if you don't sleep with makeup and live on coffee," Nolan said. She poked him with her elbow. In the video, Aiko calmly washed off her cosmetics. Although there was almost nothing left on the cotton disc and
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showed a herbal mask, the comments exploded. Nolan slapped his hand on the table. If she doesn't become a star, I'll leave the business. She doesn't want to be a star. That's what everyone says to their first million subscribers.
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Iiko really will leave once she finishes the road. He looked at her more closely.
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That's why people will believe her. Kylie tried the mask from the gift set and asked if she could look like Aiko.
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No, I replied. That's a great commercial. It will improve your skin, but it won't change your face. I prefer to promise what the product can deliver.
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Kylie thought and nodded. Then I'd buy it. In a week, IO and Emma's channel gained its first 100,000 subscribers.
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Empire Wellness product sales rose so sharply that production moved to two shifts. Nolan demanded to sign Ieko for daily live broadcast. One live stream will earn more than a month of videos and take away her studies and training.
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I objected. We discussed it with Aiko over dinner. I can go on the air twice a week, she decided. But I won't ask for gifts and tell you what I don't believe in. I agree, Nolan said. We will make
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money from advertising and sales, not from fans. Emma insisted that the revenue from the common channel be shared equally. People are watching IEO.
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I objected. And who films, edits, and answers the comments? Iiko supported her. I wouldn't be there without Emma. I gave in. Their union turned out to be more natural than any invented advertising campaign. Before she left, Aiko said, "If the road is built,
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children will be able to go to school all year round." It was the first time Nolan didn't joke. They will. That's my job now, too. Frank Doyle reported that a house near the site was bought. In an old metal box under the garden lay new
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coins and dozens of ceramic fragments. We opened it in a locked hotel room. Nolan whistled. You bought a house for a box underground. The house will stay, too. The coins were not silver dollars, but gold commemorative tokens disguised
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as cheap copies. Each was worth at least $100,000. I gave one each to Nolan and Frank.
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"It's too expensive," Frank said. "You did the job clean. Take it." Then I laid out the shards together with the pieces left after Vivian's vase. They could form several more objects. "What do you estimate the entire cash is worth?"
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Nolan asked. "Hundreds of times more than the house." Frank looked at the little gold badge in his hand. Now I understand why you asked me to buy it at any cost. So no one should know what we found. Nolan grinned. I thought I was
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here to have fun. Turns out there was an interview for a partner all along. He was right and he did it better than he thought. Frank helped bring the crates into my apartment. As he left, he joked, "If you want to humiliate me again with
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money, I'm ready." The elevator doors opened. Olivia stood on the landing. Frank turned pale. Miss Quinn, that's not what you think. What was I supposed to think? He rushed into the elevator, leaving me to figure it out. I invited
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Olivia in. She admitted that she often came down to my floor after work, but was hesitant to knock. Why didn't you call me if you noticed? I didn't mean to push. She sat on the couch tiredly. I took off her shoes and brought water.
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You're too caring, she mumbled. Too late to complain. A few minutes later, Olivia fell asleep on my shoulder. I carried her into the bedroom, changed her into a new sleep shirt, and stayed in the living room myself. This morning, she
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found me in the kitchen with huge circles under my eyes. You didn't sleep. Someone took my bed. And you didn't even try to wake me up. It was the first time in a week that you had a normal rest.
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Olivia didn't say anything, just hugged me from the back. I made two complicated breakfast. Baked vegetables, seafood omelette, warm bread, and thick soup.
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Olivia knew right away that I had spent half the night in the kitchen. I would love to have breakfast like that every day, she said. Then move in. I meant I'll come down one floor for breakfast.
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My face fell and she laughed. Before she left, Olivia kissed me on the forehead.
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Just a little more patience. Okay. All right. At the office, employees saw the dark circles under my eyes and drew the obvious conclusions. Mr. Wilson advised me to save my strength. Nolan offered to return the restorative tonic. I don't
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need it. Of course. That's why Olivia shines. And you look like a man after a night shift. I didn't explain.
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Meanwhile, rumors spread throughout Empire that Aiko had agreed to advertise because of her feelings for me. Olivia's secretary retold the gossip in front of her. "Don't spread fiction about the student," Olivia replied coldly, but she couldn't work after that. "Rivals didn't
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bother her before." "Ieko was different." "Beautiful, sincere, and unconditionally trusted me." In the evening, Olivia wrote, "Tonight, the three of us are having dinner. I want to get to know Aiko better. Dinner was calmer than I expected. Olivia asked
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Aiko about studying and filming and she honestly admitted that she agreed to the commercial only because she trusted me.
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After that, Olivia was noticeably relaxed. The next day, Howard Ashcroft called. The city council wants to launch a television show about antiques. He said the fair attracted tourists and the authorities decided to build on the success. Experts from all over the state
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were invited to the studio. Sounds good. There's a problem. Graham and I offered you the position of chief appraiser, but the guests refused. They think you're too young and unknown. It didn't hurt me. If I had been told a year ago about
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a man my age who unmistakably defines antiquities, I would have doubted, too. What do you want from me? Check the exhibits behind the scenes. If the experts get it wrong on live TV, the whole city will be shamed. I agree on
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two conditions. Empire Pawn gets the right of general partner, and the things that the owners decide to sell after filming will first be offered to us.
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Howard laughed. Now I recognize Ryan. No honorarium, no fame, just advertising, and the best lots. I'm selflessly helping the city, of course. Now I'll wipe my tears of tenderness and prepare a contract. Olivia approved the deal for Empire. Participation in the show was
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cheaper than a regular advertising campaign, but gave much more credibility. Nolan Mercer decided to stay in town until the first shoot.
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Something interesting always starts next to you. He said, "My investments in the series and the video platform have begun to pay off, and the advertising of Empire Wellness is generating revenue.
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I'll return home as a hero. In the evenings, I continued assembling the recovered ceramics. Sometimes I turned to the strange metal vessel that had proved to be an old laboratory furnace.
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At the right temperature, it changed the properties of herbal mixtures. Considering another capsule with a thin pattern on the shell, I thought that the TV show would be useful, not only Empire. If you show the audience a really unusual thing, the show will be
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remembered for a long time. In the morning, I noticed a man watching me too closely. He was about 35, wearing an expensive coat, and the expression on his face resembled a man who had previously been dissatisfied with the
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whole world. When our eyes met, the stranger turned away and walked away. A few hours later, I saw him in Empire Pawn. He stood in the middle of the evaluation room and loudly accused employees of inflating prices. This box
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was bought for a maximum of 4,000 and exhibited for six. Do you call this fair trade? Mr. Wilson noticed me first.
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Ryan, it's good you came. The stranger smiled coldly. Is this the famous young expert? And you?
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Sebastian Crowe. Some people call me Eagle Eye, although I don't like high-profile titles. Judging by how willingly he pronounced the nickname, he loved the title more than his own name.
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Crow turned out to be one of the visiting television experts. He became famous early, ran a channel about counterfeits, and portrayed a merciless defender of buyers. Empire's markup is no more than 20%. I said customers pay for verified provenence, insurance, and
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a money back guarantee. A beautiful excuse for greed. I opened his company's website on my phone. A bracelet bought for $300, you sell for 2,000. On your app, a regular vintage brooch costs four times as much as the market. You want to
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talk about greed together? Laughter broke out around us. Crow flushed crimson. Online trading requires costs.
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Empire has hundreds of employees, security, laboratory, and insurance, but our markup is 10 times lower than yours.
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So either trading for profit is acceptable to everyone or you started from the wrong store. He headed for the exit then turned around. I will be one of the top experts on the show. Let's see how confident you can be there. If
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you are honest, there will be no problems. If you decide to settle scores, the nickname Eagle Eye quickly turns into a joke. Crow left, slamming the door. Mr. Wilson sideighed. I think we have a new enemy. No, just a man who
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likes his own reflection too much. I didn't think long about Crow. People who play the role of an impeccable judge for years often begin to believe in him.
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Sebastian publicly exposed the fraudsters, but his stores lived on huge margins and participation in the programs brought the right sellers fame.
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I stopped by Jake's Market this afternoon. Preparation of the TV show brought back crowds of visitors. People were hoping to find the treasure for a few dollars and get on the air with it.
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Crow stood beside the paintings with three elderly experts. They debated whether the artist known as three millennia could be young. It takes decades to develop a technique like that. One insisted, "The city is just making a legend for itself." Crow added,
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"Young genius sells well. I didn't interfere. Under normal circumstances, they were right. Sophie March came up to me. Teacher, the more I study, the worse my work seems.
Topics:serialized fictionart trainingantiquesbusiness ethicsinvestment adviceskin carefamily dramaauctioncorporate recoverystorytelling
