Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 218

The chapel stood grandly atop the highest ground within the Garcia Estate, a place reverently preserved over generations. Its towering beams were annually repainted with gold, and above the altar, an intricately crafted scene of twin dragons chasing a pearl symbolized the family's esteemed status and power.

In front of the altar, Tristan, usually composed and commanding, now wore an expression of pure anger for the first time. His icy gaze was fixed on Rupert, who stood in the chapel's center, rain lashing down outside but barely causing a ripple in his calm exterior.

"You've let me down this time, Rupert!" Tristan demanded, his voice cutting through the tension. "Who leaked the contract details?"

Rupert's sharp features were etched with a hint of detachment, his presence exuding a cool defiance. The storm outside was nothing compared to the turmoil within.

"It was no one else's fault. I was careless, and the Carmen family took advantage of it."

"You!"

Tristan's eyes widened in disbelief, his hands trembling with suppressed rage. This was not the answer he wanted. There had to be a scapegoat, someone to blame and to present to the family and the scrutinizing eyes of the ever-watchful Helena.

Taking a deep breath, Tristan pressed on, "Wasn't it Sylvia who visited the Garcia Group?"

The solution was simple. The lowly Sylvia, driven by greed, betrayed the Garcia family for money. The narrative would paint her as the villain, sparing Rupert from the fallout of a business blunder.

long as

Rupert

chapel, thickening the

steely as

"Yeah."

Rupert began unbuttoning his shirt. Orson, standing nearby, looked on

"Stay out of it."

and undid his shirt, revealing taut

seeping through the chapel's roof, emitting a menacing

as he inserted the incense into the burner, the

Rupert to admit guilt. But after ten lashes, Rupert

voice laced with threat, "Rupert, I promised you that if this deal succeeded, your mother's shares would be transferred to you. But now, it seems

mention of his mother, Rupert's gaze fell, a thin line of blood appearing where

gestured to the bodyguard to continue, but the bodyguard hesitated, caught between duty and conscience, before raising

"Stop!"

burst into the chapel, shielding Rupert with