Astonishment rooted Kendrick to the spot. Here stood Dennis, every bit his peer in age, and yet he seemed ready to call Rylie his mentor.

Kendrick shook his head in wonder. “Dennis, are you absolutely certain? She’s just twenty, and how—”

Dennis cut him off, eyes bright with admiration, saying, “Genius doesn’t ask how old you are!” His attention never left Rylie, as if he’d discovered a lost treasure. “Who’s been guiding you?”

“Your hand? What year are you in at university? Have you considered studying abroad? Or perhaps starting a training class?”

Setting down the watercolor box, Rylie let out a quiet laugh at his enthusiasm. “You’re giving me too much credit, Mr. Reynolds. I haven’t had any formal teacher. I mostly watched videos and studied the works of other artists online. Honestly, I wouldn’t call myself an expert at all.”

Dennis nearly started pacing from the excitement. “Not an expert? If this isn’t expertise, then I don’t know what is! Have you heard of Miguel Butcher in Crolens? He was my student by age five, gifted as he is, but compared to your ability — he’s miles behind!”

Kendrick’s chest swelled with pride as he watched his friend’s excitement, his chin lifting slightly. The Owens carried a heritage of excellence — each of them seemed born with a talent that thrived even in the harshest circumstances. He gently pulled Dennis aside. “Alright, alright. My dear granddaughter is mostly focused on her medical studies. Painting isn’t really her world.”

Rylie gave a light laugh. “I brewed a fresh pot of herbal tea this morning. Grandpa, Dennis, would you both like to sit out in the shade? I’ll bring it over.”

Dennis’s face lit up. “Of course.”

Rylie returned with the tea, carefully pouring each of them a cup. Dennis, drained from his long journey and the warmth of the afternoon, took a few sips. The rich conversation about art pulled him in, and he didn’t notice how much he’d had. As the sun began to set, he finally stood and said, “I don’t get it. Normally I’m wiped out halfway through a hot day. But today? I feel oddly refreshed.”

Kendrick nodded in agreement. The heat hadn’t worn him down either. If anything, he felt more energized than usual.

Dennis sipped again, curiosity sparking. “What’s in this tea? I’ve tried so many herbal blends for daily health, but this — this is different. It’s sweet, refreshing, and warms me all at once. It’s oddly comforting.”

With a soft smile, Rylie answered, “It’s my own blend. You won’t find it in stores. I made it for people like you, who stay up late painting and end up with tenosynovitis.”

Dennis blinked. “How did you know about my condition?”

Rylie shrugged. “I noticed how you held your cup. It’s not serious, though. I’ve got more of these tea bags. If you pair them with your usual treatments, they should ease the strain.”

For a moment, Dennis said nothing. Then, slightly envious of Kendrick, he reached into his coat and offered her a card. “I’ll be in Crolens for the next few days. Come by the studio sometime. Maybe we can paint together.”

Rylie gave a cheerful nod. “Sure.”

Back at the Wilde family estate, Marsha paced near the window, waiting for news. Her phone buzzed. A message from Ronan confirmed the deal: VitaLink Hospital had been acquired.

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