Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 21

Feeling the weight of someone's gaze, Sylvia turned her head.

It was Rupert.

Dressed in a sleek black suit, his long fingers resting against his temple, the ruby ring on his finger catching the sunlight with a hint of a chilling thirst. Bridget was leaning close by his side. It appeared Bridget was whispering something, their proximity and Rupert's soft expression spoke volumes. Sylvia averted her gaze, feigning calm as she lowered her hand.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." The man followed her gaze, "That's Mr. Rupert Garcia, isn't it? He really adores his fiancée, to personally drop her off." Indeed. It was apparent to everyone Rupert's preference for Bridget. Except, in her past life, she was like a fool, waiting for him, loving him.

Just as Sylvia was about to nod, Naomi tugged at her sleeve.

"Since we're here, you should go say hello to Rupert."

"I'd rather not." Sylvia shrugged off the hand, making to leave. "You..."

Naomi's reproach was cut short by Bridget's sudden exclamation.

"Naomi, Sylvia, what a coincidence. And this gentleman is?"

arm in arm with Rupert, sized up the man beside

schemer, and after the ordeal with the Garcia family, she was even more convinced of Bridget's

boasting slightly, "This is Julian Zook,

on "we" was loaded with meaning. Sylvia didn't have a chance to intervene before she felt the gaze across the table darkened. Julian stepped forward,

instead on Sylvia, a hint of mockery lifting the

his glance passed over Julian with an ambiguous tone, "A real

sweating. What was meant to be a casual remark felt

disdain upon surveying Julian. In Rupert's presence, Julian was

Bridget didn't reveal her scorn, wearing a soft smile instead, "Mr. Zook is such a catch, Sylvia. You should hold on tight. A quiet, simple life is the real deal. No

back her indignation, was about to retort when Sylvia pulled at her. Engaging in an argument

his expression nonchalant. He knew better than anyone who

akin to affirming Bridget's

along, "Mom,

opened the car doors for Sylvia and

received a

Mr. Garcia intervened, securing

"I understand."

wasn't actually surprising. Yet, she felt breathless and powerless, as if struggling within a vortex, unable to grasp

thought she had gained an upper hand. Yet, she was still

...