Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 272

Hilbert clung to the suggestion like it was a lifeline, quickly chiming in, "Yeah,

yeah, that's right. No wonder I couldn't remember all that. It must have been when Sylvia got me drunk at dinner last time. You can't count that, right?"

Sylvia felt her heart skip a beat. Her lips parted, but no words came out, as if she were frozen by some invisible force.

She hadn't thought this through.

She had anticipated Hilbert might deny it, but she hadn't expected him to admit to it in such a roundabout way.

Warren, ever the smooth operator, stepped down gracefully and approached Sylvia, extending a hand.

"Sylvia, I believe you wouldn't steal the jewels. There's got to be some misunderstanding here. Trust me, I'll help you sort this out."

A classic move, stepping back to advance.

Sylvia glared at him, eyes blazing with anger, but despite that, he continued to smile.

His gaze lingered on her face before settling on her scarf, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Then, in a voice only the two of them could hear, he murmured, "Sylvia, you can't beat me. In this world, it's not just about the truth or lies; it's about who's speaking them. No one will believe you. Not even Uncle Rupert can help you now. You need me."

breathing quick and shallow,

outside the cage, a hunter teasing

then, the large screen

toward the screen, a hint of relief in

turned his head, the smile

glamorous women. Their dresses

of them

"Mr. Carmen, you're

it. Stick with

test that out. Word is you got some fancy gem at an

Hilbert refused

clearly the more diplomatic of the

just ask

expect Mr. Carmen to show auction pieces to everyone, right? He's not like that Mr. Lennon

that

two were playing

with pride and flushed with alcohol,

me to that Mr. Lennon. You want to see