Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 164

Eloise had just walked in.

She surveyed the chaos on the ground, Bridget and Sylvia's design drafts stained and spoiled. Her brow furrowed in disapproval.

Before anyone could speak, Freya stepped forward, her voice laced with sorrow, pointing an accusing finger at Christine.

"Ms. Eloise, Christine spilled coffee all over Ms. Simpson and Sylvia's sketches!"

Eloise's expression darkened as she turned to face a visibly shaken Christine.

With cheeks flushed red, Christine stammered, "It was an accident, I swear. I do this every day without fail; everyone here can vouch for me."

Her colleagues, grateful for her everyday kindness, quickly came to her defense.

"Ms. Eloise, Christine really is the first to arrive and takes such care in preparing our morning brew. She's scrupulous, and never once made a mistake. This must've been a fluke." "Christine's always so proactive and never complains. There's no way she had any ill intentions."

One after another, her colleagues stood by her, leaving Freya, who had accused Christine, feeling awkward and out of place.

One colleague, unable to hold back, added, "And why are some people not at their desks, coming to the office instead?"

Caught off guard, Freya adopted a look of injured innocence, "I...I was just checking on Sylvia since we're friends. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause trouble. It's my fault, you're right." The colleague was momentarily speechless, as if they had committed some unforgivable act against Freya.

a noisy mess, furrowed her

Silence fell immediately.

and Sylvia, Eloise massaged her temples, "Can either of

assistant, Bella, who nodded subtly. With a light chuckle, she assured, "Don't

"And you?"

best," Sylvia managed, her voice weak

turned to Christine, "Christine, didn't you also work on Bailey's design? Get ready

everyone," Christine apologized,

to work. Bailey will be

"Got it."

remained. She walked down the empty corridor where Bella was

USB, Bella smiled faintly, "Ms. Simpson, always the smart one, thinking ahead. Your digital drafts are

eyebrow, taking the USB and asked in a hushed tone, "Is this designer you've found reliable?

money. Helping you is her good fortune," Bella whispered conspiratorially. "Bella, thank you for this, really. Your brother's job

"Thank you, Ms. Simpson."

Bella

toyed with the USB, stepping forward to peer through the glass at Sylvia, who was frantically trying to salvage

Fool.

Ever since that embarrassing

at Camellia Manor,

she focus on