The Master Restorer’s Trap for His Junior

All because my junior wanted a permanent position at the museum.

My fiance actually drugged me with sleeping pills just so I would miss the deadline for restoring the ancient manuscript.

When I finally woke up and rushed to the lab, the Director screamed at me for professional negligence.

My fiance stood right there, pointing her finger and accusing me of being lazy.

I simply shrugged, threw my hands up, and handed the entire project over to my junior.

"Since you're so dedicated, Garret, the project is all yours," I said.

Garret accepted it with a smug grin, exchanging a knowing look with my fiance.

I watched them with cold, calm eyes. They had no idea that I was the only person in the country capable of fixing that specific artifact.

1.

The Metropolitan Museum recently unearthed a batch of artifacts. Among them was a tattered ancient codex that desperately needed restoration.

Our archival department was tasked with the job.

The Director specifically named me to lead the project. He warned me to be extremely cautious, as the piece was priceless.

We were scheduled to head to the conservation lab early the next morning.

However, that night, I drank a glass of milk Lyra handed to me. I didn't wake up until the sun was high in the sky the next day.

By the time I frantically reached the lab, the Director's face was dark with rage.

"Kellan Reed, I trusted you with this critical piece because I believed in your expertise," he barked.

"And yet, you're late for the very first session! This is completely irresponsible!"

I was speechless. I took a deep breath to explain, but the lab door swung open.

Lyra walked out, her face masked with fake anxiety.

"Kellan probably got tied up with something urgent. I called him several times, but he didn't pick up," she said.

When she saw me, her brows knit together in a scolding frown.

"Why are you just getting here now?" she complained.

"You were gone all morning, and your phone was dead. Do you have any idea how worried we were?"

I stared at her in confusion. I didn't understand why she was acting this way.

I tried to explain about the oversleeping, but she cut me off immediately.

"You know how important this artifact is!"

Lyra's voice rose, drawing stares from everyone in the hallway.

"Do you think it's fair to make the whole team wait for one person?"

I looked at her in disbelief. A cold shiver crawled up my spine.

She could have easily woken me up this morning. Instead, she let me sleep until noon just so she could blame me now.

I suppressed my rising anger. "I overslept. My alarm didn't go off."

Lyra let out a mocking laugh.

"On a day this important, you relied on a single alarm?"

"Why didn't you set five? What if you just didn't hear it?"

"The truth is, you just don't care. Stop making excuses for your lack of responsibility."

The whispers around us grew louder.

My face burned as if she had slapped me in front of everyone.

"That's enough, Lyra," Garret Quinn said, appearing out of nowhere. He slid his arm around her shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"Kellan is probably just burnt out. He just needs to be more careful next time."

He turned to me, his eyes gleaming with a hidden spark of triumph.

"Since you're not in the right headspace, Kellan, why don't you let me handle it?"

"I've been studying these specific restoration techniques lately. I'm sure I can manage."

Lyra chimed in instantly, looking at the Director with a sincere expression.

"Director, Garret has been staying up until midnight every night practicing his restoration skills."

"He's worked so hard, and his technique has improved tremendously. I truly believe he's ready for this project."

Garret made a show of being humble, but his eyes were filled with desperate greed.

Watching their pathetic performance, the truth finally clicked in my mind.

There was definitely something wrong with the milk Lyra gave me.

Being the lead restorer on a national treasure was a massive career milestone.

When the museum sent the official request, the Director had chosen me on the spot.

Lyra had been standing right there, and her face had turned pale with jealousy.

Later in my office, she had cornered me, looking desperate.

"Kellan, why don't you give this opportunity to Garret? He's new and needs this win to get his permanent contract."

"This is a Grade-A artifact, Lyra. Garret doesn't have the experience. What if he ruins it?" I had told her.

"Besides, the Director appointed me. I don't have the authority to just hand it over."

Lyra's face had twisted into an ugly scowl.

"Kellan Reed! You are so selfish! Are you just afraid a newcomer will outshine you?"

"You're always like this. You never think about anyone but yourself!"

I had been stunned by her sudden outburst. I tried to explain, but she just slammed the door and left.

Now I realized it was all a setup.

She drugged my drink to make me miss the start time, creating the perfect opening for Garret to slide in.

2.

Director, I admit I haven't been myself lately. I shouldn't have slept in, I said, lowering my voice to sound defeated.

This project is too important to risk. If my current state might affect the quality, maybe it is better for Garret to take over.

Lyra and Garret both froze for a second. They clearly didn't expect me to give up so easily.

Their original plan was likely to bully me into a corner until I made a mistake, then force the switch.

By doing that, I would lose my reputation and be marked as irresponsible by the Director.

By stepping down voluntarily, I caught them off guard.

The Director hesitated, looking between me and the eager Garret.

Finally, he sighed. I suppose we have no choice. Kellan, go home and reflect on your behavior!

Garrets face lit up with pure joy. The look he gave Lyra was dripping with affection and gratitude.

Youre very generous, Kellan! Garret said with fake politeness.

He turned to the Director and made a solemn vow.

Don't worry, sir. I will give this project everything I have. I won't let you down!

The manuscript was the Atlas of Primordial Shadows, a hand-written masterpiece from the 16th century.

The paper was as brittle as a moth's wing, and the ink was fading. One wrong move would result in permanent destruction.

In this entire state, I was the only person who actually knew how to handle it.

Lyra turned to Garret, her voice turning soft and sweet.

Garret, youre the most diligent person I know. I have full faith in you.

Ill be right here to assist you. Don't worry about a thing.

Then she looked back at me, her eyes turning cold as ice.

Unlike some senior staff who think theyre untouchable and refuse to help the next generation.

With that, she tucked her arm into Garrets and led him into the restoration lab.

I watched them walk away like a happy couple and almost laughed.

Garret was my junior from college.

He only got the job because Lyra pulled strings, claiming they were from the same hometown and needed to look out for each other.

I thought hed at least have some talent, but he had spent the last month causing nothing but trouble.

I had seen him nearly spill boiling coffee on a Song Dynasty folio.

If I hadn't moved like lightning, that piece would have been lost forever.

He was clumsy and rough with the ancient pages, often causing more damage during basic cataloging.

Every time I criticized him, Lyra jumped in to protect him.

Hes still learning! It wasn't intentional. Stop being such a jerk about it.

Were all colleagues here. Theres no need to constantly target him.

I thought her behavior was weird back then. Now I knew they had been stabbing me in the back for a long time.

I watched them enter the lab with total indifference.

This show was getting interesting.

I couldn't wait to see how they would handle the fallout.

Restoring that Atlas was a nightmare. Even a master with thirty years of experience would be sweating bullets. A hack like Garret didn't stand a chance.

3.

I went back to my desk, brewed a fresh cup of coffee, and started browsing some new research papers.

After a while, Garret appeared in front of my desk, his chin tilted up so high he was practically looking at the ceiling.

Kellan, I need the research files and your proposed restoration plan for the Atlas.

The colleagues around us immediately perked up, their eyes darting between us.

It was rare to see a rookie steal a project from a veteran, especially after a public scolding from the Director.

I ignored him, turning a page in my journal and taking a slow sip of coffee.

The air stayed frozen for about three minutes before Garret finally snapped.

Kellan, did you hear me? Whats your problem?

I set my cup down and slowly pulled a folder from my drawer.

I slid the file across the desk. Heres the background data. Take your time, junior.

Garret blinked, surprised that I surrendered the documents so quickly.

He reached out and flipped through the pages, but his expression soured instantly.

Wait... these are just the historical notes. Where is the actual restoration plan?

He sounded annoyed, as if I were intentionally making his life difficult.

I smiled, though the warmth didn't reach my eyes.

Garret, a restoration plan is a restorer's intellectual property.

Its like a chefs secret recipe. You don't just hand it over for free.

Besides, didn't Lyra say you stay up late studying every night?

With all that hard work, Im sure you already have a brilliant plan of your own.

A few muffled coughs erupted from the other desks as people tried to hide their laughter.

Garrets face turned several shades of red, looking like a bruised tomato.

Just then, Lyra marched over, her high heels clicking aggressively on the floor.

Kellan Reed, what are you doing?

You agreed to step down, but now youre sabotaging Garret behind his back!

I chuckled softly. How am I sabotaging him? I gave him all the research data.

A restoration plan requires a brain. He has to think for himself eventually, right?

He can't just expect me to do the work for him.

The office was buzzing with whispers now. The gossip was reaching a fever pitch.

Garret looked like he was about to explode.

Lyra immediately stepped into her role as his protector. Just give him the plan! Why are you being so petty?

Garret is doing you a favor by cleaning up your mess. You should be grateful!

You know exactly how he got this project, Kellan, she hissed, leaning in close so only I could hear.

If you weren't so stubborn about sharing the spotlight, I wouldn't have had to do what I did.

Just do your basic work and stop trying to be the hero all the time.

She always did thisDdownplayed my talent and acted like I was just some glory-seeker.

She never truly believed that I was the top expert in our field.

I looked at her coldly. I gave him the files. Im keeping the plan.

If he can't even figure out how to start, then he shouldn't touch the Atlas at all.

Lyra turned pale with rage, but she had no comeback.

4.

For the next few days, Garret was completely lost. He spent every day staring at the manuscript, paralyzed by fear.

Then, Lyra did something completely out of character. She started acting sweet toward me again.

When I got home from work, I found her wearing an apron, busy in the kitchen. The table was covered in my favorite dishes.

Kellan, youre home!

She gave me a gentle smile. Go wash up. I made all your favorites.

I looked at her with suspicion.

We had been in a cold war for days, and she hadn't even slept at the house.

This sudden kindness smelled like a trap.

She set a bowl of soup in front of me, her voice soft.

I know Ive been awful lately. I shouldn't have yelled at you. Im sorry.

Her eyes turned red as if she were about to cry. Its just... Garret reminds me of myself when I was younger.

We both came from nothing, struggling to make it in the big city. I just wanted to help him. Please understand.

I gave her a non-committal grunt.

In the past, I would have fallen for it. But after the drugging, my heart was closed.

I had a feeling their relationship was much deeper than just hometown friends.

I get it, Lyra, I said, putting my fork down. Lets just move on.

Here, Kellan, try the sweet and sour ribs. I know how much you love them.

She put a piece on my plate, acting like the perfect, doting fiance.

I looked at her sideways. Why the sudden change of heart?

Her eyes flickered. No reason. Ive always cared about you.

By the way, where do you usually keep your restoration notes? On your laptop?

She asked it casually, but the forced indifference in her voice was obvious.

Where else? Theyre in my encrypted folder, I said with a shrug.

I watched her face closely. A flash of excitement crossed her eyes for a split second.

Oh, I see...

She picked up two glasses of wine. The deep red liquid caught the light as she swirled it.

Kellan, its been so long since weve had a drink together. To our fresh start.

I stared at the wine, my pulse quickening.

I have a very low tolerance for alcohol and usually don't touch it. She knew this, yet she poured me a heavy glass of bourbon.

She was clearly trying to get me wasted so she could raid my computer.

I tried to decline. Lyra, I have a big meeting tomorrow. Maybe not tonight.

Just one drink, honey. Its a special occasion.

She pouted and rubbed my arm, her tone turning firm under the sweetness.

Fine. Just one.

I took the glass and took a sip. The burn of the alcohol made me wince.

I pretended the drink hit me immediately. I slumped my shoulders and rubbed my temples.

Lyra... I feel... really dizzy...

She saw me swaying and a triumphant smirk appeared on her lips. She quickly helped me toward the bedroom.

You just need some rest, Kellan.

I closed my eyes, listening to the sound of her hurried footsteps retreating into the living room.

5.

I pulled a pre-prepared sobriety pill from my nightstand and swallowed it. Then I crept to the door and watched through the crack.

Lyra had her back to me. She was frantically digging through my briefcase to find my laptop.

I sneered. She really couldn't wait, could she?

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang softly.

She opened it, and Garret Quinn hurried inside.

Did you get it? he whispered, sounding breathless.

Almost. I know where he keeps the files.

They huddled over my laptop, their fingers flying across the keyboard.

Got it! Lyra hissed with pure joy. This is it!

Garret leaned in, staring at the screen where the Atlas restoration plan was displayed.