Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"What do you mean?" Sylvia's eyes widened in disbelief.

"What do you think?" Rupert's gaze was as deep as the night sky.

Inside the office, Bailey glanced at the message Rupert had sent. Indeed, accepting gifts was always a tricky business.

She immediately called the security room.

"Turn off the surveillance for the elevator leading to my office."

"Understood."

However, the two people in the elevator didn't do anything out of line. Or so it seemed.

Just as Rupert was about to make a move, his phone rang.

Sylvia's eyes flicked to the screen.

From Bridget.

She looked up at the man looming close to her and said pointedly, "Your fiancée."

Rupert didn't argue, nor did he let her go. Instead, he answered Bridget's call directly.

On the other end, Bridget's sweet voice came through.

"Rupert, the evening gown you sent over is absolutely stunning, I adore it. You really shouldn't have. I'll be wearing a piece I designed myself tonight at the party, and I'd love to take some promotional pictures with you. When can you pick me up?" "Right away." Rupert's voice was calm, steady, and somehow reassuring.

"I'll be waiting," Bridget replied, her tone filled with anticipation.

Cornered against the wall, Sylvia had no choice but to endure their affectionate conversation. She had almost forgotten that tonight Rupert and Bailey were attending a gala, which was why Bailey had her deliver the jewelry today. And Bridget was Rupert's date.

Yet here he was, on the phone with his fiancée, his hand still lingering on Sylvia's waist.

A mix of embarrassment and anger surged within Sylvia as she struggled to free herself, but Rupert's grip only tightened.

He ended the call and, with one hand, lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

The overhead light cast sharp shadows across his face, intensifying the depth in his eyes.

"Make sure to catch the gala coverage tonight."

Coverage?

Sylvia's breath hitched, Bridget's earlier words echoing in her mind.

Tonight, Bailey would be

showcasing Bridget's design at the gala, propelling her into the

spotlight. And all this success came at Sylvia's expense, a painful

reminder of her past sacrise

swnov

Whether in the past or present, Rupert always seemed to use her as a stepping stone for Bridget's glory.

And now, to drive the dagger even deeper, she would be forced to witness Bridget's rise firsthand!

Sylvia felt a sharp pain, as if flames were licking at her skin all over again, the agony searing deep into her bones. Gritting her teeth, she summoned the strength to push the man away.

"Aren't you tired of playing with me? Is it fun?"

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and without hesitation, Sylvia stormed out, her fury palpable.

Rupert adjusted his suit and followed her at a measured pace.

Downstairs, Orson had been waiting, his brows furrowing the moment he caught sight of Sylvia's stormy expression. Something was clearly wrong. He quickly approached Rupert.

"Shall I bring Ms. Lloyd back?"

"No need. She won't listen to anyone in this state." Rupert replied indifferently.

"I'm sorry for the unintended fireworks at the restaurant the other day. It wasn't my call."

"Forget it. Let's go."

Rupert got into the car and left.

...

Once Sylvia settled into the cab, she exhaled deeply, trying to steady her thoughts. She pulled out her phone, only to see that Bridget, the internet sensation, was already heavily promoting her new design.

[Tonight marks the debut of my first work post-hardship, blessed to have Bailey's support. Grateful!]

The comments section was flooded with praise.

Sylvia's chest tightened as a lingering discomfort settled in.

Just as she was about to put her phone away, it buzzed with an incoming call from an unknown number.

"Ms. Lloyd, the gown you sent in for cleaning has been taken care of. Are you available to pick it up today?"

It was the gown Warren had given her for the competition, which she cherished deeply but had accidentally stained. She had sent it for professional cleaning. "Yes, I'll be there shortly."