Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 89

Actually, she wasn't surprised. After all, she had lived through it all in a past life.

But facing it again, she felt her soul ache with the same old pain. She had tried choosing different paths, yet fate and power seemed to haunt her like specters. Sylvia pulled the comforter over herself, wishing to be left alone.

Rupert left the hospital room, his face blank as he made his way to the smoking area. He pulled out a cigarette, tapping it thoughtfully against the pack. Before he could light it, Orson approached. "I've got some updates on the situation between Ms. Lloyd and Ms. Simpson, as you asked me to look into." Then he handed over a file.

Rupert, holding his cigarette, flipped it open.

Orson reported, "Here are the designs Ms. Simpson submitted for the competition, and here are some of her previous designs."

The styles were completely different.

Orson pointed at the submission date. "It was right after Ms. Lloyd spent the night at your place - the same day she went to see you. Apparently, the college had been pressuring Ms. Lloyd for a submission, but she couldn't produce anything. Her competition piece was something she had worked on tirelessly for three days straight."

The implications were clear. Sylvia had poured her heart into the competition, only to be overshadowed by Bridget. The celebration party had nearly ended in humiliation for her. And now, she was even on the brink of losing her sight. Orson, at a loss for words, couldn't help but admire Sylvia's resilience.

Rupert lit his cigarette. Under the dim light, the smoke turned a shade of blue-gray, twirling through the air before dissipating. His eyes, cold and still, flickered with a faint ripple as he crushed the cigarette between his fingers. "Orson," he said, looking at him.

"Mr. Garcia, I understand."

had been with Rupert for years and knew exactly

go explain things to Ms.

into the trash and left with a

she was greeted by

"Mom?"

"Hey, my big girl!"

roommate Julia leaned

"Taking

Billie couldn't

the rules to take leave during the internship?" Helena exclaimed, "How could we focus on work

in their dorm. "Sylvia, don't talk, just

looked at them.

her hand in front of Sylvia's face

be

at by

her awkwardly withdraw her