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.

confident smile

you must've misheard me. I said I'd be here

Mr. Lennon. "I heard you're a local, Mr. Lennon, so I had this dress custom-made with that special

delighted. "Ms. Lloyd, that's very

doing my part," Sylvia

with unease as

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

and his

everything, yet kept everyone at

forward, looping her arm through his with the air

claim. Her sugary

wanted people to know Rupert was there

and exchanged a few pleasantries with

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

Sylvia and Rupert's history-he just thought he

effort, huh?" His voice was

she'd known Rupert would be here, she