Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 136

Warren's assistant stumbled, as if something had nudged in the back of her knee, throwing her off balance. The sudden movement sent coffee spilling over Warren, and into his lunch box.

Warren frowned.

The assistant quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry. It was an accident."

Just then, Rupert snuffed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

"I need you to take a trip to Sea Town for me. The documents are here, review them carefully."

Warren glanced at the documents on his desk. "Alright."

Rupert left without another look back.

In the office, Warren took a napkin from his assistant, his expression still calm.

"Get ready for the trip."

"Yes, sir."

The assistant stood up and left the office.

Warren stared at the lunch box on his desk, his gaze deepening.

...

Inside the elevator.

Orson fiddled with a pebble in his hand.

"Mr. Rupert, you wanted me to follow you because..."

"Hmm?"

"Nevermind."

...

Thanks to Warren, Sylvia wasn't late. She had barely had a moment to feel relieved when a voice disrupted her mood.

"Sylvia."

Freya Stewart, dressed in her receptionist uniform, approached with a smile.

"Are you the new receptionist?"

Sylvia couldn't help but marvel at Freya's dedication to being Bridget's lackey- wasting her internship opportunity just to work the front desk.

Such loyalty.

Freya lowered her gaze, a picture of meekness and grievance.

"Sylvia, do you look down on me for being a receptionist? I think it's an honor to work at Ms. Eloise's studio."

Sylvia knew something was up when she saw Freya acting like this, probably someone important was behind her.

She gently grabbed Freya's hand. "Why would you say that? We're best friends. If you talk like that, it almost sounds like you're the one looking down on yourself." "Actually, I'll let you in on a secret. My first choice for an internship was Eloise's studio. Even if I hadn't been selected, I'd have been happy to work here as a cleaner." Just then, the sound of high heels could be heard.

"To have you work as a cleaner would indeed be unappreciative of your talents."

It was Eloise.

Sylvia ignored the flash of jealousy in Freya's eyes and turned around in feigned surprise. "Ms. Eloise, I'm sorry for the scene."

"Are you feeling better?" Eloise asked with concern.

"I am, thank you. You must be tired from your business trip yesterday."

"I'm used to it. Anyway, I have something to discuss with you all today. Let's go upstairs."

Then, Eloise turned to look at Freya.

Freya met Eloise's eyes, a hint of gloating flickering across her face, though she quickly masked it with her usual timid demeanor. "Ms. Eloise, I..."

"Freya, right? The front desk is the face of our studio. You need to look sharp. Keeping your head down won't make others respect you. Also, could you bring some coffee to the conference room later?" Eloise said with a furrowed brow.

"Yes." Freya's face turned pale as she wavered between raising her head and holding back, managing only a strained smile. Eloise led Sylvia upstairs.

Freya clenched her hands, her gaze fixed on Sylvia's departing back.

Just you wait!

...

During the meeting, Bridget remained the center of attention.

Despite facing questions about the legal letter incident from the day before, her gesture of gifting exclusive coffee to everyone that morning and explaining that she had just been "playing around with Sylvia while drunk" seemed to smooth things over.

Sylvia chose not to respond, which others took as acceptance.

The reason was simple; she didn't want Rupert using Naomi as leverage against her. Bridget's claim that Rupert had ordered the coffee further reinforced her unique status in the studio, and most colleagues believed her story. Sylvia didn't mind. By choosing a different path in this life, she knew she'd face different risks, but at least now, she had a chance.

Eloise opened the portfolio. "Bailey

from Camellia Manor is still not satisfied with our brand's designs. She's the guest of honor at several upcoming events. If we can't please her before those, we might as well hand the opportunity to another brand."

"Bailey from Camellia Manor?" Bridget smiled slightly, "I know her. Perhaps I can give it a try."