Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

After swearing her innocence, Freya immediately dropped to her knees and bowed her head to the floor.

The thuds of her forehead hitting the linoleum echoed down the hospital hallway outside the OR.

Anyone passing by would think she was genuinely desperate-not someone making up a lie.

Even Naomi-who was usually calm as a summer lake-was left gasping, clutching her chest in shock as she glared at Freya. "What are you talking about? When did I ever threaten you?"

Hearing Naomi's voice, Freya recoiled like a startled rabbit, scrambling over to hide behind Tristan's legs.

"Mrs. Naomi, you literally threw your purse at me just now! Are you really going to deny it? Everyone in the office saw you!"

"You"

Naomi choked, silenced by her own frustration.

Just then, Miriam's sobs grew louder as she stepped forward, showing off the bloodstain on her blouse.

"Tristan, you have to stand up for Bridget. Ever since she found out she was pregnant with Mr. Rupert's baby, she's been over the moon-she even talked to her belly every day! Now, thanks to Sylvia, she's fighting for her life. This was her first child!"

"Sylvia didn't push Bridget!" Naomi raised her voice, unable to stand it anymore. Tristan's eyes flashed cold as he barked, "Shut it! This isn't your place to speak!" Naomi shrank back, face pale, biting her lip so hard it almost drew blood.

like this. She stepped in front of her and shot back, "Mrs. Simpson, are you sure you want to stand by what you're saying?" Miriam's tears faltered, and she swallowed hard. "What do you mean? You hurt

was icy. "Did I say anything about her reputation?

eyes, but her mouth clamped shut. Just then, Miriam caught sight

to hurt

gaze

a winter night. When he turned, his

"Where's Bridget?"

blurted, wiping her tears and stabbing a finger toward Sylvia. "It's all her! She pushed

stood with his arms &

this is your

this. Don't

lose faith in you."

a

nodded, barely looking at

gaze and fixed Sylvia with a look that almost stole the air from her

could feel

he said,

was looking for me. How could I have planned to

there was a deli across the street with a camera pointed