Chapter 208

Evelyn Sinclair's thoughts raced. Old Master? The way Friedrich addressed the elderly gentleman carried such resignation, yet held an undeniable familiarity.

The guests exchanged startled glances.

The white-bearded Friedrich von Strauss finally halted his steps. A subtle smile danced in his refined gaze.

He snorted coldly.

Yet his tone carried unmistakable reproach and regret. "Someone who abandoned their studies halfway doesn't deserve to call themselves my apprentice!" Friedrich had only ever taken one apprentice in his lifetime.

Evelyn possessed an extraordinary soul, her talent surpassing ordinary people a hundredfold. Every brushstroke in her paintings brimmed with breathtaking vitality.

Yet after barely six months under Friedrich's tutelage, Evelyn had abandoned painting to pursue business ventures.

The master who had finally broken his lifelong rule of taking no students had been so furious he couldn't eat for days.

The disappointment still burned! "How dare she ask to purchase my artwork? In her dreams!" Friedrich had intended this encounter to teach Evelyn a harsh lesson.

But when the infuriating girl pouted, his accumulated anger evaporated instantly.

"Old Master? Apprentice? Evelyn, what's going on? How do you know Mr. von Strauss?" Eleanor Hart's mind swirled with unanswered questions.

Victoria Ashford pieced together their relationship from the exchange. A flicker of disappointment crossed her features.

She hesitated momentarily before lifting her gaze. "Master von Strauss, don't you still possess numerous private collections not released to the public? I find 'The Radiant Dawn' particularly exquisite."

"Perhaps you might consider selling it to me?" Friedrich's mouth twitched imperceptibly. The audacity! His private collection pieces were reserved either for auction or permanent exhibition.

Each was priceless! 'The Radiant Dawn' had been displayed at the Louvre! And she spoke of acquiring it as casually as browsing a flea market? His fury reignited instantly.

Yet facing Evelyn's radiant smile, his resolve crumbled. The elderly master glared daggers at her for several heartbeats before releasing a derisive snort.

"I planned to auction it for five million. For you? Ten."

"Take it if you want!" With that, Friedrich spun on his heel and marched away before his temper could shorten his lifespan.

This outcome stunned Evelyn. Against all expectations, Friedrich hadn't extorted her. The price fell far below 'The Radiant Dawn's' true value. Evelyn turned her smile toward Eleanor. "Mrs. Hart, please consider this my gift to you."

Then she hurried after the retreating artist, fearing he might change his mind. During their return, Victoria observed Eleanor's delighted expression with growing discomfort.

"Mrs. Hart," she interjected smoothly, "if I recall correctly, 'The Radiant Dawn' originally sold for ten million. Is Evelyn truly that close with Master von Strauss?" Eleanor's smile faltered.

"Oh? What exactly are you implying? Would the master sell her a forgery?"

"Certainly not! I merely worry their closeness might... influence the authenticity. It could be a practice piece or flawed work."

Such pieces held modest value but paled against genuine masterworks.

Eleanor's breath hitched. Victoria offered a consoling smile. "Though perhaps I'm mistaken. I've heard Master von Strauss marks all authentic works with his distinctive seal in the bottom right corner."

"You'll know when you see it."

Nodding absently, Eleanor formulated a plan. She deliberately roused Sebastian from his exaggerated convalescence in bed.

Eleanor announced a family gathering at their estate. Sebastian groaned dramatically, refusing to rise, his petulant whines grating on her nerves.

"Family gathering? What absurd notion is this? I've specially invited Evelyn and Victoria. Don't attend if you'd rather not."

At Evelyn's name, Sebastian transformed instantly, vitality surging through him like a revived man.