Gail asked, pausing to gaze at a landscape painting on the wall.

Rosalynn studied it intently, her brows slightly furrowed as she contemplated its details.

The signature at the bottom of the painting read "Maple". It was the alias used by Javier, a distinguished master of Landscape art.

He counted Christopher, Rosalynn's mentor, among his close friends until he succumbed to illness at eighty.

His artworks, now rare treasures, surged in value posthumously.

Under normal circumstances, stumbling upon his work here would have been a joyous find. Yet, something about this particular painting..

"This isn't a piece crafted by Master Javier Morrison," Rosalynn declared after studying it closely.

Noemi, who was nearby, voiced her astonishment, "Are you suggesting this painting is fake?"

"Indeed, it's fake," Rosalynn confirmed with surety.

Gail, who had been listening, added her thoughts with a_ nod, “Something about it struck me as odd. His creations have always captivated me. As a youngster, I even attempted to imitate his technique. His brushstrokes were refined, and his landscapes had this unique essence, pulling the observer into the vista. Replicating that is no small feat. This painting, though... It's missing his finesse. It tries to mirror his style but fails to capture his essence."

Gail, with her expertise, harbored reservations which led her to this conversation with Rosalynn. The two exchanged glances, surveying their surroundings. "Who might the owner of this gallery be? Are they present?"

The discovery of a counterfeit piece in a newly inaugurated gallery sparked curiosity. Was it a case of the owner's ignorance, or could there have been a deliberate intent?

Just then, a figure descended from the second floor.

"Did you come to view the exhibition as well?"

The familiar timbre of the voice caught Rosalynn's attention, prompting her to glance upwards.

Selina, clad in a sleek black dress that spoke of refined taste, made her way down the stairs with elegance. Her chestnut curls fell softly around her shoulders, adding to her allure. Despite the passage of months, she appeared as luminous as ever.

"Glad to meet you here, Selina."

Gail didn't expect to see Selina here. After a moment of surprise, she extended a warm greeting. “It's been too long.”

Noemi, equally taken aback, engaged Selina with a warmth that rivaled, if not surpassed, Gail's.

"Mrs. Hughes, it's been a while."