Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 344

Sylvia could practically feel the weight lift off her shoulders as she realized those two extra pairs of watchful eyes were finally gone. She let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding and felt herself relax for the first time all day.

The jewelry exhibition was being held at the old Heritage Hall on the edge of town, a place that had been around for over a century and looked like it hadn't changed much in all that time. The organizers had gone out of their way to preserve the building's vintage charm-no red carpets rolled out, not even for the press conference, which was just a crowd of people huddled together in the open- air courtyard.

Everyone was shivering from the cold, trying to maintain those picture-perfect smiles. Eloise joked that it was all in the name of art, but nobody knew just how many heated pads were hidden under those glamorous dresses.

After the press event wrapped up, everyone piled gratefully into the warm main hall.

This year's theme was "Culture and Nature."

Right from the entrance, there were clever little displays everywhere. Alongside the traditional showcases of luxury jewels, there were all kinds of creative installations: gemstone leaves and blooming flowers, a fireworks necklace made from massive blue and white diamonds that sparkled under the lights, and delicate butterflies crafted from jewels, suspended by fishing line so they seemed to float in mid-air.

Sylvia was admiring a display when Eloise's voice snapped her back to reality.

"Sylvia, Bridget-come meet Mr. Lennon, the host of the exhibition," Eloise said, gesturing to the distinguished man in front of them. "He knows pretty much every big name in jewelry design, here and abroad."

Before Sylvia could say a word, Bridget smoothly stepped forward, blocking her with one shoulder and extending her hand.

"Hello, Mr. Lennon. I've heard so much about you-I'm Bridget," she said, making sure to emphasize her own name.

fiancée? It's

and then let go, not adding

faltered just

always speaks so highly of your taste, and seeing your exhibition today has been absolutely inspiring. Sorry if I seemed

"And you are? I don't believe

I just started with Ms.

would rather be remembered for her own name than

VIPs arriving soon. Why don't

honored," Sylvia replied, inclining

gave her a quick

"Mr. Lennon, I think your

as he left, throwing one last compliment Sylvia's way. "That dress looks

blinked in confusion. Tailor-made? What

a quick, "Thank you," and forced a

it, Eloise was already off, mingling with

and found Bridget glaring at her in a way

into it with Bridget