Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 181

As everyone mingled, a shadow slipped out unnoticed.

Bridget caught a glimpse and her smile deepened.

...

At the reception, Freya was fixated on the invitation.

The embossed paper, sprinkled with gold dust, exuding an allure of luxury beyond her reach in this lifetime.

That's when a voice broke the silence.

"Feeling envious?"

Freya looked up to see Christine, her expression a mix of amusement and challenge. "What are you doing here?"

Christine tapped the invitation. "A dog can never take the place of its master."

"Stop talking nonsense!" Freya snapped, visibly irate.

"Touched a nerve? Or did I hit too close to home?" Christine's smile widened.

Hearing this, Freya instinctively stepped back.

"What do you know?"

"I've seen it all. You and Bridget, plotting against Sylvia. Must've hurt being backstabbed by Bridget, huh?" Christine taunted. Color drained from Freya's face as she glanced around nervously, fearing someone might overhear.

"What do you want?"

"Freya, don't you want to get rid of the people you despise?" Christine leaned in, lowering her voice, "I can help you."

Freya stared. "Why should I trust you? And how do you know who I despise?"

Christine scoffed. "You're jealous of Sylvia, envious and resentful toward Bridget. Am I wrong?"

Freya clenched the invitation tightly, motionless.

Christine continued, "Bridget has been on my case for too long, and now Sylvia, with Eloise's favor, is blocking my path. Since we share common enemies, why not join forces? Without Bridget and Sylvia, getting closer to Rupert will be a breeze for you, right? All I want in return is a stable job. Sounds like a good deal?

Freya, don't tell me you're content being Bridget's lapdog forever."

The word 'lapdog' triggered Freya's emotions, sending her into a fury.

"Shut up! Get lost!"

Christine sighed dramatically. "Fine, guess I approached the wrong person. But next time, it might not be a birthday invite you receive, but a wedding invitation from Rupert himself."

She turned to leave with a laugh.

The mere thought of another woman marrying Rupert made Freya tense.

Suppressing her jealousy, she called out to

mes Cristine, "Wait, I'm in. I

with Bridget's party

What's your

belongs to en.kikit

Christine returned with a smug look. "What you don't know is that Eloise and her husband are quietly getting a divorce because he cheated, but he won't disclose his lover's identity."

Freya caught on to Christine's implication.

"I get it."

....

On the day of the birthday bash, Sylvia entered the hall with her colleagues.

The venue was adorned with flowers and balloons, brimming with creativity.

Bridget and Rupert, in their lavish attire, were the center of attention, almost as if it were a wedding scene. The colleagues were green with envy.

"Such a grand birthday party. Can you imagine how extravagant the wedding would be?"

"Absolutely! Bridget hinted yesterday that Rupert has a surprise gift for her today."

"It must be that mysterious jewel Rupert secured, specially for Bridget's birthday."

"I'm so jealous."

As the gossip continued, Sylvia caught Rupert's gaze. It was cold and inscrutable.

Sylvia deliberately looked away, only for a waiter to spill wine on her.

The waiter apologized profusely. "Miss, I'm so sorry."

Freya approached with concern. "Sylvia, are you alright?"

Sylvia shook off the stain. "I'm fine."

"Eloise will be here soon. Maybe you should go to the rest room and change?" Freya suggested.

Sylvia gave her a look, then smiled. "Sure."