Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 330

The dinner venue had been switched to a much fancier restaurant this time- somewhere with real privacy, the kind of place where the waiters wear crisp white shirts and the wine list is longer than your Christmas shopping list.

The moment you stepped inside, you were hit with a sense of opulence-soft golden lights, thick carpets, and the gentle clink of champagne flutes. The private dining room had a long table dressed up with tasteful floral arrangements and elegant place settings. It all felt very "Gatsby's mansion, minus the jazz band."

Eloise entered first, greeting a couple of foreign guests with the classic European cheek kiss-double tap, smiles all around-before politely taking her seat.

Sylvia trailed behind her, a little out of her depth, and had barely taken two steps when a tall figure suddenly blocked her path.

"Hey there, miss."

Sylvia looked up, surprised to recognize one of her favorite Italian designers— Mark. His name was straight out of the Bible, a classic in Italy, but his creations were anything but traditional. He was famous for his bold, innovative designs, and rumor had it he drew inspiration from his own personal muse. Probably a hopeless romantic, Sylvia thought.

She couldn't quite believe he was talking to her. She was about to offer a handshake, but he went in for a hug instead his hands sliding from her shoulder down her back. It made her bristle a little, but she reminded herself that Europeans had different ideas about personal space.

Still, when he leaned in for a cheek kiss, she instinctively put up a hand to stop him. Thankfully, Eloise stepped in, greeting Mark with a quick hug of her own.

it's been ages! I saw your latest collection-absolutely stunning," Eloise said, smoothly intercepting

lady is...?"

blocked him a little and replied offhandedly, "She's my intern. Come on,

to the table. Sylvia exhaled, feeling a tension she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Still, she couldn't shake

and Eloise-going through a rough divorce-seemed genuinely happy for the first time in weeks. Sylvia decided not to intrude, taking a quiet seat at the

of wine appeared before her. Mark was sitting across from her, raising his glass with a charming smile. "I've seen your

being noticed by her idol. She took

her. It wasn't the usual

1.n

table, her eyes landing on Mark. Across the flickering candlelight and bouquets, he caught her eye, lifting his glass in

control, do something embarrassing, or worse. As the others chatted, she quietly pushed back her chair, hoping to slip

she tried to stand, a strong hand gripped her

much? Let me help you get some fresh air," Mark said, his voice all

to speak, only a weird, strangled sound came out. Panic flared there was no way Eloise could hear her over

pull away. Mark's grip tightened slightly, still polite on