Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 121

Christine whispered with a hint of worry, "Are you sure about this? Rupert's wine collection is no joke in terms of price, right?"

Bridget laughed off the concern casually. "Oh, Rupert takes me here all the time and always insists I help myself to anything. I don't really pay attention to the prices, but I remember once I knocked over a bottle and it was, what, around fifteen thousand? Rupert didn't fuss over the cost; he was more worried about me getting cut by the broken glass." "Wow, just casually dropping in a humble brag there. Can we all just take a moment to thank our generous hostess?" a colleague joked.

"Thanks, Bridget," everyone chimed in, half-jokingly.

"Stop it, you guys. I'm going to stop talking now," Bridget said, her face turning a bashful shade of pink, the picture of a shy young woman asserting her territory. Yet, her sideways glances were firmly fixed on Sylvia.

Sylvia, catching the glances, offered a forced smile along with her colleagues. As if she cared about Rupert's attention or about being the future boss lady.

Then, Christine sidled up to Sylvia with a grin. "Gotta admit, I'm a bit jealous of Ms. Simpson. But you, Sylvia, you probably don't care, right? Your boyfriend must treat you just as well."

"I don't have a boyfriend," Sylvia clarified.

"But your neck..."

"Dog bite."

Sylvia muttered the explanation under her breath and quickly made her way to find a seat.

When the server arrived with the wine, he made a point of introducing its variety, origin, and, of course, its hefty price tag in front of everyone.

"A 2016 bottle of Romanée-Conti, priced at thirty thousand."

hands gripping their

seemingly accustomed to such extravagant displays, waved her hand dismissively. "Please, don't be

round of toasts directed at Bridget, and soon enough, those with a lower tolerance for alcohol were showing signs of tipsiness, their

bit tipsy herself, said, "If he were here right now, we wouldn't be able to enjoy ourselves and drink freely like this. So, I told him to come later." With that, she pulled out her phone and dialed, her actions drawing a hush over the

Paradise Pavilion

reputation, not just for its breathtaking view but also for its exquisite cuisine. If not for

enthusiasm for the food, Bridget

sweetness, "you

tone was, yet envy still shone

her lip softly and whispered into the phone, "I had a bit to drink, don't worry. If I get too drunk, I have you, right?

a feigned panic, glanced around the table before she

flushed appearance. Some of the singles at the table felt awkward

Sylvia, however, was more

in her dish of

was she in her meal that she didn't even notice Bridget got up and staggered over to

quick, okay? I'm

Sylvia almost gagged.

from her surprise, Rupert pushed

was as if he

and dark gray trousers, his simple yet sophisticated attire did nothing

into his embrace, she cooed, "Rupert, I'm feeling a bit sleepy. Take me