Restoring a Life After Seven Years of Wrong Love novel Chapter 48

Yvette's face was a picture of absolute shock.

Solstice Auctions was the most prestigious auction house in all of Kingsbrook. Their catalog spanned ancient paintings, calligraphy, porcelain, and exquisite jade! Every major, high-society auction in the city went through their doors.

If she could secure a long-term partnership with them, it wouldn't just skyrocket her personal career—it would elevate the Azure Atelier entirely, cementing them as a core fixture within elite high-society circles.

Combine that with the priceless opportunity to network and exchange techniques with industry titans, and no sane restorer could possibly resist the temptation.

Yvette made her decision instantly. "Thank you so much for telling me about this, Professor. I'm going to enter. I promise I won't let you down again."

Winston's smile widened as he waved his hand dismissively. "I know exactly what you're capable of. I have absolute faith in you."

The two chatted for a few more minutes before parting ways.

Yvette rushed back to the Azure Atelier without stopping for a breath, practically sprinting to Matthew's office.

She was so overwhelmingly excited she didn't even bother to knock.

Matthew rarely saw her so visibly thrilled; she was almost always composed and unreadable.

He looked up immediately. "What happened?"

In rapid-fire succession, Yvette told Matthew everything about the Solstice Auctions restoration competition.

Their eyes met.

Both of them saw the exact same predatory, determined fire reflected in the other's gaze.

"Get everyone in the conference room. Now."

Ten minutes later.

Every mid-level and senior restorer at the Azure Atelier was seated in the conference room.

Matthew took the head seat, Charlotte sat to his immediate left, and Yvette sat right beside her.

"Everyone needs to wrap up their current projects as quickly as possible. If your progress is stalling, don't let your ego get in the way—ask the other restorers for help."

"Effective immediately, the Azure Atelier is no longer accepting new commissions. Once your current tasks are cleared, everyone is shifting into intensive study mode. What happens next will dictate the entire trajectory of your careers."

"The calligraphy I need restored is extremely important. Stop throwing a tantrum," Quentin said, clearly not believing her. "The Azure Atelier has never turned away business before."

"I know you're upset that I haven't come to see you, but it's only because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to bear leaving you. It just breaks my heart too much. But don't worry, I promise I'll do everything in my power to make it up to you."

He sounded so desperately sincere, but to Yvette, it was nothing but hot air. She felt absolutely zero emotional pull.

She and Willow were barely a year apart in age!

Her mother's health had completely deteriorated because she couldn't handle the crushing betrayal.

Quentin had secretly siphoned off her mother's dowry and was the reason her grandfather's priceless paintings were still missing. Every single thing he had done made it utterly impossible for her to ever forgive him.

Quentin stepped forward, determined to push his way inside regardless of what she said.

He nearly bumped right into Charlotte, who had come looking for Yvette. Seeing him, she immediately scowled.

"Mr. Huxley, the Azure Atelier is closed for new commissions. If you really need something fixed, you can wait until our books reopen, or you can go find someone else." Charlotte raised an arm, physically blocking his path. "If my memory serves me right, Willow is a restorer. What? Can't your precious daughter fix it for you? Or are her skills just too garbage to get the job done?"