Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Oh, still playing the innocent card?

"Ms. Simpson, after you call the cops, what exactly are you gonna tell them? That I went mad and almost killed Mrs. Simpson because of some provocation? And who exactly provoked me?"

At that, everyone's eyes cautiously shifted towards Tristan. Wasn't it because Tristan had openly rebuked Edwin and Naomi in defense of the Simpson ladies that Sylvia had been pushed over the edge? Bridget was stunned. It dawned on her that Sylvia had been setting the stage from the moment that call was made. They had all been meekly waiting for Tristan to speak up!

So what was the point of her calling the cops?

To pin it on Tristan?

"Enough!" Tristan commanded with authority, "You ladies have had too much to drink. This whole frenzy of yours would be best slept off."

"Sir..." Bridget looked at Tristan in disbelief.

Tristan summoned the butler and handed back the box containing the ceremonial sword.

"This sword isn't for me. Take it back. Show the guests out."

Bridget and Miriam were reluctant to give up and looked as if they wanted to argue their case. But Tristan's next words cut off any hope they had.

He looked at Rupert, his expression rare and displeased. "In the future, be more selective about who you bring home. Drunken nonsense, no manners! If word of today's event leaks, don't expect any leniency." Rupert's expression hardened. "Understood."

Bridget and Miriam felt a chill in their hearts. Years of effort, all ruined by Sylvia's outburst. The mother and daughter were shown the door, even their gift returned. Such an embarrassment would be the talk of the town. Tristan glanced silently at Edwin, hesitating as if he wanted to speak but held back.

Edwin gracefully stepped back. "Dad, Sylvia and Naomi are quite shaken. I'll take them home."

Tristan hummed in response, but his gaze lingered on Edwin. After everyone had left, he looked at the photos Sylvia had sent. One showed

Edwin being forced to drink at a

party, Mr. Edwin of the Garcia family,

humiliated in front of client amily,

Another captured Edwin being

thrown into a dumpster, with Miriam's smiling face in the background, issuing the order.

The truth was, Naomi had it worse than Edwin, But Sylvia knew Tristan wouldn't care much for Naomi. Edwin, however, was a different story. Especially after listening to the recording and seeing the photos, it was as if Miriam had slapped

Tristan in the face.

He might have resented Edwin for lacking sharpness in business, but he would never tolerate outsiders humiliating his son like this. Tristan sighed and called for the butler.

"Didn't Edwin always want the black

and white marble chess set from the storeroom? Send it over. And pick out a couple of jewelry sets for Naomi. Fire any maids who've been gossiping."

en FindNovel

"But, sir, Mr. Rupert already dismissed two maids the other night. If we let more go today, it might be hard to find replacements quickly," the butler expressed his concern. "Why did he dismiss them?"

"Mr. Rupert, too, said they were gossiping," the butler replied.

Tristan frowned but dropped the subject.

...

Outside the gate.

Bridget was sobbing bitterly, immediately trying to explain, "Rupert, I didn't mean those things... I was drunk! That's why I spouted nonsense. I don't know what got into me." Rupert looked down. "You claimed they were lies before. Now, it's because you were drunk?"

"I... I..."

"I don't care," Rupert said coldly.

"Really?" Bridget brightened up, convinced Rupert still loved her. "Rupert, I..."