Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 346

On the other side of the hall-

Eloise stood at the front entrance with Mr. Lennon, waiting for the VIP guests to

arrive. She checked her phone three times but still hadn't managed to get ahold of Sylvia.

Mr. Lennon glanced at her. "Ms. Eloise, where's Sylvia? Weren't you two supposed to come together?"

Eloise offered an awkward smile. "She..."

Just then, Bridget strode over and confidently took her place at Mr. Lennon's side.

"Sylvia's not feeling great," she announced. "She said she might not make it."

Mr. Lennon frowned but didn't comment. He seemed to accept Bridget's presence, but being stood up by a newcomer clearly didn't sit right with him. Bridget couldn't hide a little smirk.

But before she could savor her triumph, a familiar voice rang out behind her. "Who said I wasn't coming?"

Everyone turned. Sylvia swept in, dressed in a fiery red, high-slit evening gown that seemed to light up the room. The shimmering fabric made her skin look almost luminous, and the unique mesh overlay-dotted with a few sparkling crystals-gave her an air of mystery.

Bridget's confident

grin. “Ms. Simpson, you must've misheard me.

and turned to Mr. Lennon. "I heard you're a local, Mr. Lennon, so I had this dress custom-made with that special tartan from this region. Thought it'd

looked delighted. "Ms. Lloyd, that's

doing my part," Sylvia

pulled up outside. Sylvia's stomach twisted with unease as she recognized

handsome, the kind of guy who could command a room without saying a word. As he

features, and

yet kept everyone

forward, looping her arm through his with

a claim. Her

obvious to everyone that she wanted people to know

a few pleasantries with

to Sylvia. "She's bright, ambitious, and even made the effort to wear our famous regional

know about Sylvia and Rupert's history-he just

gaze flickered over Sylvia. "Special effort,

clenched her fists at her sides. If she'd known Rupert would be here, she would've skipped the whole show and left him