Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 39

"Tristan. He's the one who believed in my innocence, setting up this press conference for me. Even though I'm not related by blood to the Garcias, they've treated me...like one of their own. They would never hurt me. Thank you, I really appreciate it." Sylvia bowed deeply to Tristan.

Despite his irritation, Tristan found himself at a loss for words, managing only to nod and smile at the crowd.

But it must be said, this move quickly defused the negative public opinion facing the Garcia family.

After the press conference, Sylvia quickly caught up with the female officer, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you. If it hadn't been for you, finding the evidence from Julian, I would have..."

The officer asked her colleague to lead the others to the car, and then turned to Sylvia with a troubled look.

"It wasn't me. It was Rupert's doing. He was the one who sent people to find those girls in just one night. Before, when we tried to approach them, none of them wanted to mess with the Zooks." "What are you saying?" Sylvia gasped, her breath hitching.

"Julian's going down this time, there's no escaping his sentence. The Zooks can't protect him now."

The officer's tone was heavy with implication.

suggesting Rupert's goal was to have Julian pay for all his crimes, not

"I think you should talk to Rupert. There seems to be

Hesitating for a moment, she was about to approach him when she saw Rupert step

hid behind a nearby plant. Peering through the leaves, Tristan seemed visibly

light, silently lighting a cigarette. The smoke swirled around him as he half-closed his

chase, "Was this your

smoke and continued coolly, "A settlement only solves problems temporarily. I don't like being threatened by the Zooks. Sylvia kicking up a fuss is just enough to shake up them. Why settle for less when I can have it all?" He lowered his gaze to flick off some ash, his expression obscured by the thin

this, Tristan nodded, "You played it

be harmed,"

call. But as for Sylvia,

no point in bothering about people who don't

look, satisfied with his

I'll leave you to

"Sure."

Tristan off, Rupert continued to smoke, his back