Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 35

Rupert didn't reply, his gaze sliding past Sylvia, his demeanor chilling like the frost of midwinter, an unspoken barrier against intrusion.

Sylvia couldn't help but sneer internally. Classic Rupert.

Just then, a commanding voice cut through the air from behind her, "Sylvia, what are you doing just standing there? Everyone is waiting for you."

It was Tristan.

Turning around, Sylvia noticed Tristan was flanked by Naomi and Edwin, two individuals who usually wouldn't find themselves at the center of attention, except apparently in circumstances such as these. Clearly, Tristan was worried Sylvia might back out of going on stage.

"Sylvia..."

Face grim, Edwin attempted to shield Sylvia.

Sylvia gave him a quick shake of the head, "Edwin, just stay with my mom, okay?"

Under Tristan's warning gaze, Sylvia took the stage. Even Julian, bandages and all, had made it, looking smug among the crowd.

with anticipation, some eager to pin the blame on Sylvia even before she

your school in the jewelry design contest. Are you

dabbed at her eyes,

the reporter with a stare and replied, "I'll answer you in

slandering Ms. Simpson online. It was only the school's reluctance to waste Ms. Simpson's talent that got her an additional spot. Did you

The argument seemed well-prepared.

your source? Care to

"We can't reveal

no proof. Could I accuse you of

reporter, cornered and humiliated, glared at Sylvia, silent threats

glance silenced the whispers around, and he

she calmly unfolded her speech, eyes scanning the first line. The opening line read, "I

looked up, her gaze sweeping over the crowd,

Tristan's voice, laden with anger,

his eyes intimidating, his voice

there's no

"Isn't there?"

eyes locked with Rupert's, tore the paper to shreds, and threw them to the air, the pieces fluttering between her and Rupert like a chasm that could never be bridged. She