Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 257

"Why did you knock over the coffee cup that day?" Eloise asked, her patience wearing thin.

"Ms. Eloise, it was a complete accident," Freya pleaded, her voice quivering. "I was just drawn to the sapphire, and when I glanced at it, my hand slipped, and the cup went flying."

Sylvia caught a suspicious glare directed her way. It was Bridget.

Bridget stepped forward, her eyebrows raised. "Ms. Eloise, is there something wrong with the sapphire?"

Eloise didn't respond, which seemed to confirm Bridget's suspicion.

Bridget, ever the voice of reason, suggested, "If there's any doubt, Ms. Eloise, why not check the security footage? Freya's not the type to mess around with something worth millions."

Freya nodded vigorously, tears brimming in her eyes. "Yes, please, Ms. Eloise, I'm innocent! Let the footage prove it."

Just then, Bella chimed in, "Ms. Eloise, I already have the footage from the meeting room."

Eloise's expression darkened as she glanced at Bella. "You're well-prepared, I see."

wanted to be ready in case something

instructed, pointing at the

up the footage. In the meeting room, aside from Sylvia and Hilbert, the appraiser, no one

indeed tripped, but she only brushed against the table. Without someone else's help, she couldn't possibly have

been on the opposite side of the table; there was no way anyone could have done it in plain

ended up clearing

and fell to her knees. "Ms. Eloise, you see? I didn't do anything wrong!

cries brought other colleagues to the office doorway, eager

just accuse Freya because she lacks influence. If anyone had a chance to tamper with the sapphire, it

Some were envious of Sylvia's big

saw a chance to bring her down

only one near the sapphire. If anyone's suspicious, it should

too timid

the office, creating

waving her hands for silence. "Do you

Freya was

crowd fell silent and shuffled out of the