In the world of traditional craftsmanship, mentorship was sacred.
If Benjamin Hawthorne casually addressed someone as his teacher, how would his students react? Would they be expected to accept a young woman as their master’s mentor? Doubt crept in, leaving Benjamin momentarily speechless.
He couldn’t help but feel a twisted amusement at Sophia Kensington’s audacity.
He had met bold individuals before, but none quite like her.
Stirring trouble right under his nose? That took sheer nerve.
Sophia was making a scene in his domain, treating Benjamin as if he were invisible.
He wiped his carving knife on his apron, ready to respond, when a pair of gentle hands settled on his shoulders, guiding him into a chair and pressing a cup of black tea into his palms.
“At your age, do you still let petty things rile you up? If a dog barks at you, will you bark back?”
Isabella Sinclair’s defining trait was her fierce loyalty.
If it were just Sophia and Ethan Blackwood causing trouble, she could handle it. But with outsiders now involved, the stakes had shifted.
Even if those three respected Benjamin and acknowledged Isabella, they would undoubtedly whisper behind his back.
That would tarnish the reputation he had spent decades building.
Allowing Sophia and Ethan to destroy it was unthinkable.
“Don’t try to stop me,” Benjamin grumbled.
After a sip of tea to steady himself, he declared, “I want to see just how bold they dare to be in my own home!”
At the skeptical glances from the three men, Isabella said, “Didn’t you ask me for a tea set with an intricate design? I had some free time today, so I thought I’d craft one to settle your nerves.”
The group visibly stiffened.
“A patterned tea set? Isn’t that a lost art?”
His skepticism was tempered by the rarity of the technique Isabella mentioned.
The stamping method had once been reserved for royal ceremonies and was nearly impossible to replicate. Even nobility struggled to acquire such pieces.
The process was complex, demanding flawless execution.
As for tea sets—they represented the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
Each set was a marvel, blending uniqueness with perfect harmony. Every cup required a distinct technique, yet together, they formed an impeccable whole.
An elder among them explained, “Tea sets made this way can be priceless. Each piece is a masterpiece, requiring mastery in calligraphy, painting, engraving, and delicate carving. To perfect all these skills could take a lifetime.”
True mastery demanded intricate carvings of landscapes and latticework. A single mistake could ruin everything.
Even someone as seasoned as Benjamin couldn’t guarantee success.
Yet, Benjamin laughed, excitement bubbling over.
He had dreamed of this moment for years, pestering Isabella to create a set for him.
And now, at last, she was ready.
With a wide grin, Benjamin set down his cup and cast a disdainful glance at his current tea set.
“If you can truly craft me a patterned set, this one will pale in comparison. I wouldn’t hesitate to smash it all.”
The others were stunned.
Benjamin was known to treat his creations like his own children. His enthusiasm spoke volumes about his faith in Isabella’s skill.
Could this young woman truly be a hidden master?
Eagerly, Benjamin gathered his finest tools—his carving knives, his best clay—and set to work with renewed vigor.
The others, recognizing the significance of the moment, quickly offered assistance. One even called for additional help.
Word spread swiftly, and soon, a crowd gathered to witness the spectacle. It was becoming an event.
“Do you need a hand?” Benjamin asked, visibly moved.
“No need. Having a mentor like you assist me would be improper.” Isabella’s tone was firm but respectful. “Alexander can help. You should eat and rest.”
Alexander Kingsley arched a brow, amusement flickering in his gaze. No one had ever dared to order him around before, yet Isabella spoke with such effortless authority.
It intrigued him.
“Count on me,” Alexander said smoothly.
“Good lad! You’ve been pestering me for days—now it’s your turn to work!” Benjamin chuckled, wiping his hands before heading off to eat.
