Chapter 30

Olivia asked Theodore to drive her to the meeting place she'd arranged with Natalie.

"My dear, I've contacted Gregory Thornton and he's thrilled about your visit!" Natalie greeted Olivia with a beaming smile the moment they met.

Olivia smiled back, her mind drifting to the joyful days spent in Gregory's studio. Ever since her vocal cords were damaged, Olivia had always felt inadequate. Though she was the adopted daughter of the prestigious Blackwood family and received respect due to her status, deep down she considered herself worthless.

Yet it was in Gregory's studio that Olivia rediscovered her self-worth. There, she realized her capabilities and understood she was far from useless. The thought of returning filled her with genuine excitement.

Natalie soon led Olivia to the studio's location.

Situated by the lake in Newport's city center, the studio occupied a prime spot, its elegant architecture blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Olivia was astonished by the transformation, marveling at how Gregory had enhanced the space so quickly.

"You wouldn't believe how lucrative artifact restoration has become," Natalie explained. "Every collector's family is wealthy these days. Gregory is currently the top expert in this field. Working with him will open incredible opportunities for you!" Natalie knew Olivia had always refused to use Liam's money.

Olivia nodded gratefully, expressing her thanks through gestures.

"Why thank me? I just want to see you happy!" Natalie responded warmly, her sincerity shining through.

After dropping Olivia at the studio entrance, Natalie drove away.

Pushing open the door, Olivia spotted Gregory deeply engrossed in his work. She lingered at the threshold until he finally looked up and noticed her.

Gregory wasn't particularly tall, with thinning gray hair and glasses that magnified his expressive eyes. His face could shift from stern concentration to warm affection in an instant. When he smiled at Olivia, it reminded her of how Henry Winslow used to look at her.

Gregory's face lit up at Olivia's arrival, his hands moving excitedly in greeting.

Unlike Olivia, whose voice was damaged later in life, Gregory had been born deaf. He often said his silence allowed him to dive deeper into his creative world.

Returning his smile, Olivia approached and extended her hand in greeting while signing hello.

Gregory regarded her with appreciation before signing that Natalie had told him about Olivia's situation. He expressed his willingness to mentor her in restoration techniques whenever she needed guidance.

Olivia nodded eagerly, her smile widening with gratitude. Just the opportunity to learn from Gregory again made her heart race with excitement.

Gregory grinned, pleased with her response. In all his years, Olivia remained the most talented restorer he'd ever encountered.

He then guided Olivia upstairs where several other apprentices were working. Their reactions to seeing her varied greatly.

Gregory produced a compact device that converted his typed words into speech. "Let me introduce Olivia Sinclair, my former apprentice from years ago."

The other apprentices' expressions softened when they realized Olivia couldn't speak, their gazes turning sympathetic.

Gregory continued, expressing his desire for Olivia to resume her studies at the studio. He praised her exceptional talent and hoped she'd readjust quickly.

Just then, among the gathered apprentices, a tall, slender young man abruptly stood. "Exceptional talent? What sort of talent does she have?"

Marcus Whitmore eyed Olivia with open skepticism, mouthing his offensive words carefully. "My grandfather was the finest restorer in the south - he even defeated Gregory in competition. And you call her talented? Ridiculous!"

He angled his body slightly, ensuring Gregory couldn't see his lips moving.

Unaware of Marcus's challenge, Gregory proceeded with introductions. Marcus was currently the most skilled apprentice in the studio.

Olivia offered Marcus a polite smile and signed a greeting. Though she tried to maintain friendliness, Marcus showed no interest in reciprocating.

Ignoring Olivia's gestures, Marcus turned to Gregory and signed his confusion about why Olivia should skip the entrance tests. Every other apprentice had to prove themselves first - why should she be any different? The unfairness of it burned in his chest.