Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 36

Alden froze, his face turning ghostly pale. In a panicked gesture towards the screen, he blurted out, "So what if it is? Doesn't this just prove that Sylvia fed me fake news to frame Ms. Simpson?" Nods of agreement rippled through the crowd.

Sylvia, however, looked at Bridget with a serene expression and asked, "Ms. Simpson, you of all people should know who leaked the information to this reporter. Aren't you going to say something?" Bridget's composure faltered for a moment before she quickly retorted, "How is this related to me? I didn't do it!"

Sylvia fixed her gaze on her, "Did I say it was related to you, Ms. Simpson? I only mentioned that we had cleared everything up in the dean's office that day. So, why didn't you clarify things when the reporters and fans misunderstood me?" "I, I..." Bridget was at a loss for words and resorted to crying to mask her inability to respond.

Sylvia, feigning compassion, said, "Ms. Simpson, there's no need to cry. You're making it seem like I'm bullying you. Just help me explain it to everyone, and we'll be fine."

Asking Bridget to explain on her behalf was akin to a public execution. Bridget, obviously reluctant, cast a pitiful glance at Rupert.

Sylvia also looked at Rupert in a self-deprecating manner, thinking, "Rupert, it's your turn to choose again."

As expected, Rupert stepped in to shield Bridget.

nothing to

Sylvia, as if saying, "See, Sylvia, what does it

had anticipated this outcome; she gazed emotionlessly at the couple, yet

fists, keeping

at the unemotional Sylvia, felt unseen waves in his eyes.

arm with a meaningful look, "Rupert, even though Sylvia claims her account was

assured, we've caught the person.

Bridget's astonishment, Freya

officer sternly said,

with a slight smile. "Oh, Freya," she thought to herself, "are

her. He still exuded a

lips, still unable to decipher Rupert's