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.

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

school in the jewelry design contest. Are you jealous of Ms. Simpson, hence the vicious

who dabbed at her eyes, biting

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

secured your contest spot by maliciously slandering Ms. Simpson online. It was only the school's reluctance to waste Ms. Simpson's talent that got her an additional spot.

The argument seemed well-prepared.

challenged back, "Who's your source?

reporter choked, "We can't reveal

you have no proof. Could I accuse you of defamation

at Sylvia, silent threats

silenced the whispers around, and

on Sylvia, she calmly unfolded her speech, eyes scanning the first line. The opening line read,

the crowd, and began slowly, "I do not

with anger, bore into

his eyes intimidating, his voice cold and

there's no point

"Isn't there?"

shreds, and threw them to the air, the pieces fluttering between her and Rupert