Triumph Above All novel

“Yulia,” she said as she turned toward her cousin. “I suppose the company must be doing very well for itself, considering you can spend $600,000 on a fake painting. If Grandfather found out, I think he might have a heart attack on his birthday!” she said in a mocking tone.

“Watch your words, Yvonne,” Yulia shot her a glare before turning to the shopkeeper. “Sir, I know about the rules, but we have not even left your premises. Isn’t that just a tad unfair?” she argued.

The shopkeeper cleared his throat and was about to defend himself when Skylar placed a gentle hand on his wife’s arm. “Yulia, it’s alright for him to do so. In the world of antiques, it’s all about who has the better eye. If the seller cannot recognize an undiscovered gem right in front of his own eyes, then it’s his loss. Take this painting for example. It is actually worth ten times more than an original Fontaine, but he won’t be sharing any part of the profit.” Skylar made a show of shaking his head, mourning the shopkeeper’s loss.

bragging about it just to save some face,” he chided. “To be honest with you, this is indeed a piece from Fontaine’s era, but no one knows who painted it. Judging from the dull colors and the unrefined technique, it must have been some nameless apprentice. I don’t

hand. “Sky, let’s go.” She had thought that Skylar only said what he said because he did not want Yvonne to think any less of them. However, there was no way the shopkeeper did not take stock of the origin of his own goods. Together with Nolan Oakley’s seeming expertise, she was quite certain her husband had bought a worthless piece of art. No matter how talented

cheeky as he discreetly gave her a light pinch on the buttocks. “Don’t worry, my dear, when have I ever said anything I was

turned as red as a tomato. Did Skylar really just pinch her buttocks in public? She was completely mortified! Yet, the gesture felt a little sweet and scandalous at the same time. What was happening to her?

scrutiny of everyone in the room, Skylar unfolded the painting and swiftly used the knife to free the canvas from its frame. Once the frame was undone, Skylar used his fingers to feel