Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 191

Bridget was Freya's express ticket into the high society, and letting go of such a connection for someone like Christine was simply not worth it.

So, Freya decided to make her move, plotting to share her scheme with Bridget.

Together, they would work from the inside out, ensuring they could both easily slip away, no matter the outcome.

Unfortunately for Christine, her realization came too late. She looked at Sylvia with a mix of frustration and disbelief, "You changed the room number. How could you be so sure I'd come here?"

"Overconfidence was your downfall. From the moment you deliberately placed that photo with Eloise's husband at the most visible spot on your desk, I knew you'd come to gloat over your masterpiece," Sylvia explained. "I lost. But you didn't win either," Christine hissed through gritted teeth.

After all, Bridget and Freya remained obstacles in her path.

As Sylvia walked to the door, she paused, offering Christine a cold glance, "You were never my target."

With those words, she left.

...

At the banquet hall.

The atmosphere dimmed the moment Sylvia entered.

Bridget, clinging to Rupert's arm, stood excitedly in the center, eagerly awaiting the legendary mystery gift.

Sylvia's gaze met Rupert's. For a fleeting moment, a storm seemed to brew in his eyes as he touched a chapped spot on his lip.

Sylvia quickly looked away, just in time to see servers pushing in something large.

Someone whispered, "The gift is here!"

Everyone expected Rupert's mystery present to be some extravagant piece of jewelry.

But what caught everyone's eye was a towering swan-shaped cake.

To the average person, such a cake would be a luxury, but for the likes of them, it was just another afternoon tea expense. Hardly a mystery gift worth the hype.

Bridget was momentarily taken aback, then quickly tried to cover, "Rupert, are you suggesting we cut the cake before the real gift?"

Rupert, expressionless, nodded towards the cake, "Gift? What's a birthday without a cake as a gift?"

"Well..." Bridget almost blurted out

her expectation for jewelry, but with all eyes on her, she could only maintain her smile, "I love anything from Rupert."

So, with a forced smile, Bridget cut the cake, not tasting even a slice.

Sylvia, however, managed to get a piece and found it delicious.

།

As the party wound down, Sylvia was about to leave when she saw Eloise stumbling out of the restroom.

She quickly went to assist her, "Ms. Eloise, are you alright?"

Eloise, her face flushed, leaned in for a closer look at Sylvia and let out a bitter laugh, "It's you."

"I'll take you to your car."

Supporting her, Sylvia walked Eloise to her vehicle.

Leaning on Sylvia, Eloise chuckled, "He hasn't bought me clothes in years. When I received the dress from him the other day, I thought he was really coming back. I didn' realize even that dress was part of a scheme."

"It's his fault, not the dress. You shine no matter what you wear," Sylvia comforted her.

Eloise

at her, "Your dress was

a setup too, wasn't it? Luckne

reacted fast, or we'd both be the chopping block."

on

Sylvia remained silent, helping Eloise into the car.

Just as she was about to close the door, Eloise grabbed her, fixating on the pendant at Sylvia's chest.

"It was you."

"What?" Sylvia looked at her, confused.

"Never mind. Keep it up; I'm rooting for you." Eloise closed her eyes, massaging her temples.

Seeing Eloise uncomfortable, Sylvia nodded and didn't pry further.

After watching Eloise drive away, she turned to see Bridget and Rupert surrounded by reporters...

"Ms. Simpson, was Rupert's mystery gift given in private?"

Noticing Sylvia's gaze, Bridget immediately leaned her head on Rupert's shoulder, smiling, "You caught us. How embarrassing." Sylvia turned and hailed a cab.