Chapter 6 After many twists and turns, I settled in Champaign, Illinois, and picked up my manuscript restoration craft once again. The patience and passion that Damien had worn away slowly returned to my life. I even opened a small restoration workshop. I called it "Renaissance." Opening day brought few visitors. An elderly woman in an elegant silk dress with silver hair lingered at my workstation for a long time. she introduced herself as the director of a top national museum. Young lady, your craft has both heritage and reverence." he handed me a business card, "Would you be interested in doing a public restoration demonstration at our museum?" was so excited I could barely hold that thin card. But just as I was about to sign the contract with the director, a flustered administrator rushed in. I'm sorry, Director, but we just received notice that Ashford Industries has acquired our museum." The new owner specifically requested that all future exhibition space be reserved exclusively for a woman named Aria Sterling." My blood turned to ice. Damien. le'd tracked me down here? he director was so angry her cane rattled against the floor: This is outrageous!" But her words carried no weight against absolute money. walked out of the museum to find a black Phantom parked outside. he window rolled down, revealing Damien's cold face. He looked at me with distant, assessing eyes. Miss." His voice was as emotionless as ever, Do you happen to know a woman named Luna Rivers?" Looking at him, I felt utterly absurd. He still didn't recognize me. Before I could answer, Aria got out from the other side. she naturally linked arms with Damien, shooting me a challenging look. "Damien, ignore these social climbers." She turned to me with an arrogant smile: "Miss, if you want to meet Mr. Ashford, you should consider whether you're worthy." Chapter Pathetic woman like Luna Rivers who got kicked out of the Ashford family should give up any hope." With that, she pulled Damien away. Damien didn't spare me another glance. stood there watching their intimate figures disappear, my heart sinking into an icy winter pond. I's okay, Luna. told myself. ou're not who you used to be anymore. turned around and called the museum director. Director, does your earlier offer still stand?" Let's put on our own restoration exhibition."