Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 77

Passing by? Rupert, a man who barely had time to breathe between meetings, just happened to be passing by?

Yeah, right. Clearly, he's here for Bridget.

Bridget's casual mention of their shared route was no accident. She wanted everyone to know just how close she and Rupert were - a subtle demand for respect from the crowd. And it worked like a charm.

"Rupert and Bridget are the picture of love," someone cooed.

"Absolutely, a match made in heaven. They're the envy of us all."

Just then, Sylvia entered, pushing the door open with a grace that immediately caught everyone's attention. The room, filled with alumni who had since become stars in their own right, couldn't help but stare. Their gazes lingered on her from head to toe - some discreet, while others blatantly ogled.

Sylvia, aware of the unwritten rules of this inner circle, nodded politely and made a beeline for the principal.

"Principal."

The principal, with a welcoming smile, gestured to the gathering. "Now that we're all here, let's take our seats. Mr. Rupert Garcia, this way, please."

As Rupert moved past Sylvia, an icy draft seemed to follow him, making her involuntarily clench her fists.

in terms of status. She then took it upon herself to direct Sylvia to a seat among

Sitting with them will

to refuse but found herself pulled into a seat by one of the

be shy, my dear. We'll take good care of you," he said, his tone

"dear" by men who had graduated

Before she knew she was surrounded, with no chance of changing seats. Trying

ove

Fet

under their greasy gazes,

up

straighter.

the head of the table, Bridget sipped her coffee, smiling at Sylvia - seemingly harmless, but with eyes as venomous as a spider's, trapping Sylvia in an uncomfortable web Sitting there, Sylvia braced

a toast to Rupert, kicking off the drinking culture typical of

apologetically, "Rupert prefers I don't drink. The rest of you can drink with Sylvia. She doesn't have anyone to watch over

others that Sylvia was fair game. Everyone

story; just the smell was enough

was about to decline when a glass filled to the brim with clear liquid was

wouldn't want to disappoint us, would you?" one of the men