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?"

Rupert, sized

always thought of Bridget as a schemer, and after the ordeal with the Garcia family, she

slightly, "This is Julian Zook, from the Zook family. A real catch, we're all quite

didn't have a chance to intervene before

barely swept over him, lingering instead on Sylvia, a hint of mockery lifting the corners of his mouth,

over Julian with an ambiguous

spine, her palms sweating. What was meant to be a casual remark felt like

eyes flickered with disdain upon surveying Julian. In Rupert's presence, Julian was insignificant,

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,

retort when Sylvia pulled

at Rupert, his expression nonchalant. He knew better than anyone who she had

akin to affirming Bridget's

scoffed, pulling Naomi along, "Mom, Mr.

then opened the car doors for Sylvia

Sylvia received a message from Professor

securing an extra competition

"I understand."

around her phone. The outcome wasn't actually surprising. Yet, she felt breathless and powerless, as if struggling within a vortex, unable

an upper hand. Yet, she was still

...