Chapter 258

The shopkeeper stopped Evelyn in her tracks, unwilling to let such a lucrative opportunity slip away. "Madam, wait!"

His voice was eager, almost desperate. "Thank you for admiring his work. Your interest is a great honor. I oversee everything here, so he doesn’t get to choose his commissions. He’ll take your order, and I assure you, he’ll craft something exquisite. You won’t regret it!"

"Boss, I—"

"Quiet! If you refuse, you can leave for good!"

After paying the deposit and receiving her receipt, Evelyn approached the block of wood the young man was still carving. She studied it for a moment before bending down to pick up a discarded scrap. "May I take this?"

"Of course!" The owner waved dismissively—it was just a worthless fragment.

Evelyn hadn’t walked far before she heard footsteps trailing her. She paused, sensing the person behind her do the same.

A slow smile curved her lips.

She quickened her pace, then abruptly turned into a narrow alley, pressing her back against the cold brick wall. Moments later, the young man appeared, scanning the street in confusion.

"Looking for me?"

He startled as Evelyn stepped into view, her expression amused.

Caught, he dropped all pretense. "Why did you choose me?" His voice was wary.

"Because your skill is exceptional."

"You haven’t seen anything I’ve finished. How would you know?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "Why would I waste time sabotaging you?" She pulled the scrap of wood from her pocket. "Besides, I have seen your work. That unfinished piece in the shop? It was already breathtaking."

His defiance flickered. "It’s not done yet."

"I know. But the precision in the lines, the flow of the grain—it’s unmistakable." She leaned in slightly. "You carved most of the pieces in that shop, didn’t you? Even the ones I bought today."

His eyes widened. "How—?"

"Technique leaves a signature. Yours is distinctive."

The truth was obvious now—the owner’s claims of a team of master artisans were a lie. He relied solely on this young man’s talent while taking credit for it.

A spark of excitement lit the carver’s gaze. "Are you a craftsman too?"

Evelyn shook her head. "No. But I have a question." She held up the scrap. "Does your boss source all his wood in bulk? Or…?"

"Why do you care?"

"Curiosity." She arched a brow. "Can’t you tell me?"

He hesitated, then relented. "Most of it’s bulk orders. If you want suppliers, ask him."

"Everything?" She twirled the wood between her fingers. "Even this?"