Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 108

Miriam hesitated, sparking curiosity all around as eyes turned towards Edwin and Naomi.

Naomi's face was ghostly pale, making her lips appear strikingly red. Edwin quickly took her hand, his usually composed face now clouded with embarrassment. He wanted to say something, but given his blackout from the night before, all he had were Naomi's words to go by-hardly enough to convince anyone. That's when Sylvia gave him a look, prompting a subtle nod from Edwin. "It's alright."

"Thank goodness, or I'd feel terribly guilty," Miriam dramatically placed a hand over her heart.

Tristan frowned, probing, "What's going on?"

Miriam looked troubled. "I heard Mr. Edwin was keen on landing a deal with a potential client, so I arranged a dinner. But, as it turns out, Mr. Edwin and Mrs. Naomi had a bit too much fun. I had no choice but to send the client away early.

Next thing I know, Mrs. Naomi and Mr. Edwin were tumbling into the dumpster- buzzing with flies and smelling positively dreadful. I just had to ask if they were okay. Isn't that right, Mrs. Naomi?"

The room went quiet, many faces wrinkled in disgust at Naomi.

bit her lip, silent

the peace, chided Miriam, "Mom, it's not like

reputation by getting drunk and dragging Edwin into a dumpster-what a joke.

at Rupert with pleading eyes, "Rupert, my mom

sipping his

Sylvia's heart

strong

a simple evening? What a disgrace!" Edwin bore the brunt, as always, under Tristan's public scolding. Naomi burst into tears. This

silence, with only Bridget and Miriam's eyes gleaming with

Sylvia against them?

Hardly a match.

Sylvia didn't back down. She met their gaze with a calm smile, her composure holding steady as

up, shouting like a madwoman, "Ah! Why blame my mom and Edwin? It's

tirade,