Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 153

"Oh?" Bailey's gaze shifted, the amusement in her voice hardening into a cold edge. "What do you mean?"

"You're wearing that ring on your pinky, deliberately avoiding the fingers associated with love and romance.

Ten years ago, your husband died in a car crash. But he wasn't alone, was he? His mistress - a woman who adored camellias - died clutching one he'd given her. Even this estate, Camellia Manor, was a gift he bought with your money for her. And now, it's your trophy." With those words, Sylvia approached the charred remnants of the small garden, suddenly turning to face Bailey with a cold expression.

Her voice softened. "Bailey, the camellias here do bloom beautifully, don't they?"

"Of course, they're well-tended to. But what does that have to do with you burning them down?"

"Bailey, you spend weeks here every year, abandoning work, drowning in memories. It's a shame- a capable and bold woman like you, trapped in Camellia Manor over a man who was never worth it."

Sylvia's voice tightened, and she turned back to the ashes, watching as they rose into the air. A faint sting pricked her nose, carrying with it a phantom scent, bitter and familiar, like the crematorium she couldn't forget.

In the end, none of it was worth it.

Bailey let out a laugh. "A fine 'not worth it.' I didn't expect you to have such insight. Well burned, indeed. It should have been done long ago. Such a waste of good fertilizer."

She waved over the butler with a sense of release. "Clear it all."

The butler nodded. "Yes."

Bailey then pointed at Sylvia, smiling. "I want the design draft in three days. I don't like to wait."

"Alright," Sylvia agreed.

Behind her, Freya and Bridget were too shocked to speak. They had started the fire, so why should Sylvia reap the benefits?

Bridget bit her lip, frustration bubbling beneath her surface. Even though Sylvia had explained the reason for the fire, she hadn't clarified the motive for stealing the lighter. It was still possible to accuse her of foul play.

Bridget's resentful expression didn't escape Sylvia's notice. Before ĕ Bridget could voice her complaints, Sylvia reached into her pocket and pulled something out, holding it up for everyone to see. FindNovel

It was a lighter.

"I'm curious about something. I used a lighter I found on the table, so why was Ms. Simpson's lighter found here? We were all together just now; I couldn't have stolen the lighter in front of everyone. Later, I accompanied Freya to the leaving no time to steal Ms. Simpson's lighter. So, how did the lighter end up here?"

Suspicious glances inevitably fell on Bridget and Freya.

estroom,

Freya was quick to respond, "Ms. Simpson, maybe you dropped it by accident when you passed by here?"

Bridget nodded eagerly. "Yes, that must be it. I believe Sylvia wouldn't steal it."

"I see. No worries, I won't hold it against you." Sylvia's gracious smile deeply stung them, but they could only swallow their resentment and respond with forced smiles. Suddenly, a thunderous boom rolled across the sky, followed by a thick mist creeping over the grounds as rain began to pour.

Everyone retreated to the shelter of the veranda.

Bailey looked up at the sky. "Looks like the weather's taken a turn. No one's leaving the mountain today. Stay here for the night; we'll head

down when it clears in the morning."

Sylvia watched the misty expanse outside, knowing that even if the rain stopped, the fog would deter anyone from venturing down the mountain.

Everyone agreed to stay.

Bailey led them to their rooms.

"Rupert and Bridget, being engaged, will naturally share a room."

"Sylvia, you'll stay in the next room."

After assigning rooms, Bailey winked at Sylvia.