But Ste couldn''t help noticing that Joshua seemed to know quite a lot about these things.


    Curiosity getting the better of her, Ste asked, "Joshua, did you use to work in the antiques business or something?"


    It would make sense if he had—that would certainly exin his knowledge.


    Joshua shook his head. "No, I don''t know the first thing about antiques."


    "Then why did Abby say you used to restore historical artifacts?" Ste pressed.


    Joshua''s lips quirked. "I only told her that to put her at ease. If I hadn''t, she probably never would''ve trusted me to restore Nocturne Ste."


    Ste blinked in surprise, then let out augh.


    "Aren''t you worried Abby might me you if you mess it up?"


    "Not at all." Joshua''s voice was calm and certain.


    Ste nodded. For all Abby''s fiery temperament, she was sharp enough to know what really mattered when the chips were down. She wouldn''t hold it against Joshua.


    But just as Ste was thinking this, Joshua spoke again from beside her.


    "I never take on a job I''m not sure I can finish. Nocturne Ste-I''ll restore it perfectly. You have my word."


    Ste''sshes fluttered as she looked over at him.


    In that moment, it dawned on her. When Joshua said he wasn''t worried, he didn''t mean Abby wouldn''t me him-he meant he simply wouldn''t fail.


    Ste was about to ask how he could be so sure, when Foreman''s startled voice broke in from nearby.


    "Nocturne Ste? You found Nocturne Ste?"


    Only then did Ste remember Foreman was standing beside her. She quietly recounted how Joshua had tracked down Nocturne Ste.


    As she spoke, Foreman''s shock faded into a stony silence. He remembered that period all too well-Abby hade to him for help, and he''d even led a search himself, though they''d only looked for a day. In his mind, avenging Ste was the real priority.


    The thought of Nocturne Ste being destroyed by those scumbags-Leonard


    and Sellers—had been almost unbearable. He''d poured all his rage into


    confronting Sellers, determined to get justice for Ste.


    He''d even nned tomission a new custom violin for her. But Nocturne Ste was one of a kind; every expert he asked just shook their head. He knew Haynes and Neville had quietly tried to recreate Nocturne Ste too, but neither had any luck.


    So, in the end, he''d settled on crafting a music box, designed to be an exact replica of Nocturne Ste He imagined Ste keeping it close, where she''d always see it-and maybe, every time she did, she''d think of him.


    Yet now, Joshua had not only found Nocturne Ste, he''d actually restored it.


    Suddenly, Foreman''s carefully chosen gift felt like a joke.


    He clenched his fists, a shadow flickering across his face.


    The three continued weaving through the art exhibition.


    Just then, amotion broke out nearby.


    Someone shouted, "Oh my god, Aurora''s here! She actually came to the show- quick, let''s get her autograph!"


    A crowd rushed toward one end of the gallery.


    Foreman frowned. "Aurora?" Could it really be her?


    They didn''t have to wonder long. Not far away, Aurora was surrounded by adoring


    fans, signing autographs with a radiant smile.


    "She''s got it all, doesn''t she?" someone nearby gushed. "Born into one of the most elite families, gorgeous, brilliant, famous in every field she touches... She''s just perfect."


    "If only that fake heiress the Williams family dug up hadn''t tried to smear her- calling her an illegitimate child out of jealousy-Aurora''s reputation would still be spotless."


    Foreman''s expression darkened.


    Suddenly, a woman''s delighted voice called out from behind them.


    "Joshua? Is that you? You''re here too?!"