Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 72

This turn of events was certainly not on Sylvia's radar. Bridget was pulling out all the stops to undermine her.

Who plagiarized whom? Bridget knew the answer better than anyone, yet here she was, trying to frame Sylvia for copying her work.

Drawing inspiration

What a choice of words.

Especially after a reporter reminded everyone that Sylvia had seen Bridget's design drafts ahead of time. If Sylvia admitted to drawing inspiration, it would be tantamount to admitting that Bridget was superior, hence her need to borrow ideas for her competition piece. Denying it, on the other hand, would make her look stubborn and guilty, tainting her second-place victory.

Bridget, playing peacemaker, chimed in, "Let's not get carried away, everyone. Being an inspiration to Sylvia is an honor for me."

Then, feigning sorrow, she added, "But, I did incorporate sun motifs in my design because I likened the sun to Rupert. His light makes everything beautiful. To have that 'borrowed' does sting a bit."

Her cheeks flushed with a coy blush as she spoke. Some in the crowd began to murmur and snap more photos. Rupert, however, remained cool and impassive, his emotions unreadable.

A reporter, seizing the moment to flatter, said, "I'd be upset too. You use the sun, and she uses stars and moon. Isn't that blatantly provocative? It's just a shame Ms. Simpson's graciousness is lost on some, who can't even acknowledge it." Sylvia let out a derisive laugh, finding the whole situation absurd.

Confused, the reporter asked, "What's so funny?"

have any idea how many pieces of jewelry throughout history have featured the sun or stars? So, I'd like to know, which

was

lip, attempting to steer the conversation back. "Sylvia, we're talking about this competition.

competition, only the two of you chose celestial themes. What's wrong with

eyes with them, said calmly, "If you think it's about drawing inspiration, then why would I choose

puzzled, asked, "What do

replied deliberately, word by word, "The sun belongs

not of the same

swnov

there was no question of borrowing ideas. Rupert glanced at Sylvia, his gaze

'e'

steadied herself. She challenged Bridget, "Ms. Simpson, your jewelry collection is so vast, yet the sun element is so tiny. Does that mean Rupert

question back at

if you also believed Sylvia borrowed from your work, why

opened her mouth but

response. She

all, the

originally hers. She didn't

understand Sylvia's design

philosophy.