Chapter 27
Seaside City was famed across Veridia―a coastal town where timeworn streets echoed with centuries of art and culture, attracting generations of celebrated painters and writers. While a handful of their masterpieces had found homes in prestigious museums, the vast majority of these treasures were housed in the heart of Seaside City, at The Antiquarian’s Gallery.
The gallery’s first floor welcomed visitors from all walks of life, offering a glimpse into the city’s storied past. Upstairs, however, was another world entirely: a sanctuary for rare and meticulously preserved works, accessible only to select guests. Off to the west, a private studio awaited, its doors open exclusively to VIP clients.
When Seren stepped onto the second floor of The Antiquarian’s Gallery, she was greeted by Seth Gilbert, the gallery’s young proprietor. Seth was dressed in a crisp shirt and vest, his wavy hair a little on the long side, giving him an air of effortless refinement. There was a poise about him-a quiet confidence that suggested a lifetime steeped in art and letters.
It came as no surprise. The Gilbert family had been collectors and patrons of the arts for generations. Most of the gallery’s treasures had been passed down through their lineage. Seth himself had been raised among paintings and calligraphy, studying under masters from various schools since childhood. Years ago, he and Seren had both apprenticed under the renowned Mr. Shaw, forging a bond that went back to their student days.
Three years earlier, when Seth inherited the gallery, he’d frequently invited Seren to join him. She always replied with a smile, promising that one day she’d love to work by his side. By the time that “one day” arrived, three years had quietly slipped by.
“I’ve just had the most difficult client walk in today,” Seth said, his tone tinged with relief and excitement. “He traveled all the way from Riverbend City. His father is celebrating his eightieth, and the old gentleman has always been an ardent admirer of painting. For the occasion, he has specifically asked for a reproduction of ‘Peaks Piercing the Spring Clouds’ and insists that every detail be perfectly captured p>
Seren blinked, pulled from her thoughts by Seth’s animated voice.
“This client is famously particular,” Seth continued. “He wants the copy to be indistinguishable from the original. I thought about it, but honestly, none of our in- house artists could possibly meet his standards p>
“You know as well as I do recreating every nuance of a masterpiece, aside from using machines, is almost impossible for most people. These days, only Mr. Shaw could manage it, but he’s retired. We tried to refuse, but this client comes highly recommended by one of our regulars and has quite the reputation himself p>
Seth smiled, eyes alight. “But you’re here now, and you’ve just saved the day p>
As Mr. Shaw’s most gifted protégé, Seren had the unique ability to satisfy requests that stumped other artists. Seth practically ushered her into the lounge to meet the client, not even waiting for her reply.
The moment Seren entered, she was enveloped by the room’s old-world charm- the soft glow of antique lamps, the faint trace of sandalwood in the air. A man dressed in black sat upright by the window, so still he seemed almost part of the decor.
Before Seren could get a good look at him, the man exclaimed in surprise, “Seren?! Is that really you p>
She steadied herself, recognizing the voice. The man in black, with his striking dark eyes, was none other than Quentin Shepherd-Sheridan’s lifelong friend.
Truth be told,
Seren
and Quentin
barely knew each other. She’d only met him once in passing, when he stopped by The Golden Age to visit Sheridan. Sheridan had never been fond of her, and certainly hadn’ bothered to introduce her to his close friends. Still, Quentin’s unmistakable eyes had made a lasting impression.
Seren never expected to run into him here.
Before she could say a word, Seth chuckled. “Well, it seems you two are already acquainted, so I’ll spare you the introductions. Mr. Shepherd, if you’re willing, Seren will take the lead on your ‘Peaks Piercing the thing Spring Clouds. She’s Mr. Shaw’s successor. If she can’t meet your standards, I doubt anyone in Veridia can p>
“You’re Mr. Shaw’s student?” Quentin stared at her in disbelief.
Quentin’s grandfather had always adored paintings and, over the years, Quentin had picked up a fair bit himself. Of course he knew of Mr. Shaw-the legendary artist who many considered the living heir to the Old Masters.
It had never occurred to him that Seren was his final student. She had clearly been concealing her talents.
Seren had just ended things with Sheridan and had no interest in small talk with Quentin. She simply nodded and spoke in a businesslike tone.
“The ‘Peaks Piercing the Spring Clouds’ will be ready for pickup in three days. In the meantime, you can finalize the contract and deposit details with Mr. Gilbert.” “Understood,” Quentin replied.
News of Seren and Sheridan’s
messy breakup had been making the rounds lately. As Sheridan’s childhood friend, Quentin was well aware the’d even noticed that Sheridan, for once, seemed genuinely upset. But Quentin was no fool-he sensed Seren’s reluctance to discuss it and wisely chose not to press the issue.