Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 214

The next morning, a light, misty rain fell, as if the sky itself was sighing. It was the kind of rain that felt more like a cold whisper against your skin, and it made Sylvia shiver as she pulled her coat tighter around herself. She balanced a steaming bag of breakfast goodies-freshly baked croissants and warm coffee-in her hand as she made her way to the hospital. Just as she reached the entrance, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket.

Naomi was calling, and she sounded frantic.

"Have you seen the news?"

"No, what's up?" Sylvia replied, not overly concerned as she continued toward the elevator.

"You need to check it right now!"

This was the first time Naomi had ever spoken to her with such urgency, and it made Sylvia stop dead in her tracks. She fumbled with her phone, pulling up the trending news section.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, and the breakfast bag slipped from her grasp, crashing to the ground in a messy heap.

"The biggest deal of the year for the Garcia Group snatched by the Carmen Group!"

The Carmen Group.

Fiona Carmen.

earth

contract on behalf

Edwin said

"Mom..."

sandpaper; she couldn't even manage a coherent sentence. Her heart pounded so loudly it drowned out the rest of Naomi's words.

the door to the hospital room to find Fiona already there. Sylvia's eyes went straight to Warren,

brow slightly furrowed, but then turned away

her demeanor as gentle as ever. She took Sylvia's

this. Our family, the Carmens, have been under Rupert's thumb for so long. Today, we finally have something to celebrate. Your kindness to Warren, your big

there was an unmistakable emphasis on "big brother," a reminder that despite Sylvia's help, their relationship was strictly

Previously, she had understood Fiona's desire to keep her and Warren from getting too close After all, Warren was the heir of the Garcia family,

their welfare,

quickly, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "Mrs. Fiona, I'm