Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 37

Sylvia's composure took everyone by surprise.

This once timid and overlooked member of the Garcia family no longer spoke with her head bowed low. She stood on stage, claiming her space, her gaze clear and unwavering. It swept over Rupert's indifferent and dangerous face without a hint of retreat. As the situation took a sharp turn, all eyes were on Vincent and Bridget.

Vincent, feeling uncertain, instinctively looked towards Bridget for guidance. Bridget frowned slightly and shot him a look.

Vincent spoke up, his voice loud and defensive, "Ms. Lloyd, just because I asked you a few questions, doesn't mean you can slander Ms. Simpson and me, right?"

Eyes reddened, Bridget said, "Sylvia, I know you're upset that the school fought for a spot for me in the competition. I just wanted an apology. I've already talked to the police about settling this matter. If you insist on making a scene, then I'll step down. Please, let's not cause any more trouble for the Garcia family and Rupert."

Retreating to advance was Bridget's most common tactic, her pretty, gentle face often invoking a protective instinct in others.

filled with feigned distress, "Rupert, please don't mind this. I

looked at Sylvia with

forward and asking, "So, Vincent, you and Ms. Simpson don't know each other at all, haven't

course. If I had met someone as beautiful and elegant as Ms.

a moment before carefully saying, "We have never met, we

fell, Naomi, who was usually timid, burst forth

You two have been conspiring in secret. All those online reports accusing my daughter

even if you want to save your daughter, you can't just make baseless accusations. How will

sarcastic remarks on her holding no place in the Garcia family. She didn't waste words,

a luxury boutique? Every time this reporter appears, negative reports about you flood the internet within a day. Oh, and those accounts that were harassing you? I reported every single one, and they admitted they were paid by this reporter. Doesn't that strike you as