Restoring a Life After Seven Years of Wrong Love novel Chapter 76

"I don't have any concrete proof," Yvette finally broke the silence, "but I am willing to restore a piece right here, right now. You can pick whatever damaged artwork you want."

She was incredibly anxious on the inside, unsure if they would even entertain the idea.

Eleanor and Mr. Clark exchanged a look. "Step outside for a moment," Mr. Clark said. "We need to discuss this."

Yvette stepped out and leaned weakly against the corridor wall.

She closed her eyes.

She had no idea who took those pictures, but right now was not the time to hunt for the culprit.

Securing a partnership with Solstice Auctions was paramount. As for whoever framed her—she would deal with them later!

Five minutes later, the door opened.

"Come back in," Mr. Clark said. "We've decided to give you one chance."

The three of them relocated to a private restoration lab.

Eleanor selected four heavily damaged pieces from the vault, each requiring a completely different set of skills.

Cleaning, backing removal, patching, and inpainting. All four essential restoration techniques were tested.

Yvette stood at the workbench, took a deep breath, and let a calm, unyielding focus settle over her.

Eleanor and Mr. Clark took turns monitoring the room.

They had just pulled these pieces from the archives, so there was zero possibility of cheating.

Yvette lost herself entirely in the work.

By nightfall.

The first painting was spotless, and the second was a third of the way done.

"You'll sleep here at the auction house tonight," Eleanor instructed, holding out her hand. "I'll be in the same room. Hand over your phone."

Without a word of protest, Yvette handed it over.

Eleanor was deeply impressed by her professionalism. She had recognized Yvette's raw talent during the preliminaries.

"I understand," she said, her voice remarkably steady, as if she had expected this outcome all along.

Eleanor couldn't help but view her with a newfound layer of respect. "You... don't have anything else to say in your defense?"

"The truth will speak for itself eventually." Yvette stood tall, radiating quiet dignity.

"Take this. Don't open it for two weeks." A rare glint of warmth softened Eleanor's eyes as she pulled a sealed envelope from her drawer.

Mr. Clark knew exactly what was inside, but he didn't object.

The fact that Yvette had earned Matthew's high regard already proved her capability, and her grace under this immense pressure only made him respect her more.

With talent like hers, she had absolutely no need to resort to bribery.

Yvette took the envelope. Eleanor reiterated, "Remember. Wait exactly two weeks."

"I will. Thank you," Yvette said, nodding with fierce determination.

This setback wasn't going to break her. If anything, it only fueled her fire!