an's

a mistake. I was staring at my scr

LD

link

hed the

n and this time I wasn

n ano

over the mouse. I wasn't bre

eepless night, every brushstroke that felt like

ol

ers kept

ed. I stood up so abruptly my ch

I whispered

heavier. "Come in," I said, though my voice came out rougher than intended. The door opened without hurry. Nickolai stepped inside. He didn't smile. He closed the door behind him softly - too softly. Like he was sealing something. "I see the numbers," he said, his voice low, calm. Controlled. "Congratulations." I swallowed. "They're all gone." He walked toward my desk, eyes flicking briefly to the screen. He looked impressed. He looked calculating. "All of them," I repeated, needing him to feel it. "Every canvas." "I know." He stepped closer. Closer. Too close. I became acutely aware

c, like a wire pulled too tight. "This is what you wanted," he said quietly. "Fame. Recogniti

as a m

ser than I

esk. "I built this," I said.

the collectors?"

ts? Who created the scarcity

couldn't feel my legs. Nickolai didn't crea

w tig

" His gaze darkened -

ng," he said. "Your name is about to explode. Inte

" "And nothing in this world i

n't because I was his son's friend. T

forcing my chin up with

my breath hitch. "I want loy

he corrected. "I want you." The word

ave me. I work with you." "That's business.

heat rush through me despite my anger

r. "You're crossing

he replied calmly. "I can mak

ion?" His eyes d

hout me," he said.

cont

condition," I said. "That's control." A faint

d to push him away. To p

tle scent of his cologne, the steadiness of his breathing

rom my face. And I felt th

ned in m

I asked. He stepped back then - finally giving me space.

ywhere. And people are already watching you, D

ugh me. I thought

ped. "You don't have to answer tonig

quest. Another sol

peak of your first victory," he continue

oor o

eady to satisfy the condition,"

shut be

rywhere. My art was finally everywhere. My success. But his shadow

for the first time, I real

whether I had ju

y the most f