Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 256

The noise drew everyone's attention, like moths to a flame.

Even Sylvia found herself glancing at Freya, a knot of suspicion tightening in her stomach.

This was the kind of thing Freya would do, she thought. Always trying to tug at people's heartstrings by acting like the pitiful underdog, no matter the situation.

Back in school, the students, naïve and sympathetic to her tough upbringing, often fell for it. But here, among these sharp-eyed professionals, who couldn't see through her little charade?

Eloise, frowning, said, "Stop wiping and just step outside."

"Yes, Ms. Eloise," Freya replied, her eyes rimmed with tears, lips quivering as if she were about to burst into sobs-playing the damsel in distress to perfection.

Hilbert, ever the gentleman, offered a supportive arm to Freya, smiling kindly. "It's really not a big deal, no need to be upset."

Freya looked up, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Carmen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she reluctantly left the room, glancing back with every step.

Sylvia snapped back to reality, her gaze landing on the sapphire resting on the table. The security team was carefully returning it to its case. She scrutinized it but found nothing amiss.

Eloise rose, reminding the guards, "Handle with care."

nodded, affirming their

then turned to

a respectful distance, Sylvia nodded. "I won't, Mr.

Sylvia accompanied

was an enigmatic

replied, her own smile not quite reaching her eyes, as

the brooch's setting complete, only the sapphire needed to be mounted. Eloise personally oversaw the process, while Sylvia stood by, instructing the

Yet, the unexpected struck.

echoed through the room

pale and glistening with

swear! I didn't apply

composure, picked up the broken sapphire, her body suddenly feeling

sank with the realization.

Eloise

the door, calling the security officer over.

the past two days, no one had entered

into a chair, clutching her head. "How did this happen? Where did we go

racked her brain for any details from the day of the delivery, then remembered