Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 20

Upon hearing it, Freya excitedly pulled Sylvia to her feet, her eyes turning into crescents with her wide smile.

But beneath that joy, a hint of mocking scorn flashed through her eyes. Probably mocking Sylvia for being so gullible.

On their way to the cafeteria, Sylvia got a call from Naomi. She stepped away from Freya to answer it. "Mom."

"Sylvia, there's a good news. Edwin has a client whose son just returned from abroad. He's handsome, talented, and comes from a good family. How about you two meet for lunch tomorrow?" Naomi's voice bubbled with excitement. "Mom, I just graduated. I'm not looking to get married."

"Sylvia, I've seen his picture for you, and he's really decent. His family has business ties with Edwin, so we know he's a good catch. Plus, with all the drama online lately, I just can't settle down."

Naomi's tone carried a hint of worry. Sylvia caught the underlying message; this blind date was non-negotiable.

"Got it."

"See you tomorrow."

After hanging up, Sylvia turned to see Freya, who was furiously typing away on her phone, her expression a bit odd.

"Freya, you seem busy?"

Freya quickly put her phone away, explaining, "Oh, I'm just looking for internships. Unlike you, who's qualified for all these competitions, I have to hustle and send out resumes." "Right. Let's go." Sylvia didn't press further and continued walking.

Freya walked closer and linked arms with Sylvia, probing, "Your competition is coming up, got any designs in mind?"

Sylvia smiled at her, "Don't worry. I've got it all planned out. It's going to be perfect."

"Really?" Freya pinched her fingers together, thoughtful.

"Why? Is something bothering you?"

"No, just amazed at how talented you are. Unlike me, even after all these years of hard work, my design skills are still mediocre."

Freya looked down, feigning distress. In the past, Sylvia would have offered comfort. Now, she couldn't be bothered.

"Then you should work harder."

Freya's expression stiffened, and she bit her lip without responding.

After eating, Sylvia told Freya, "I've got plans tomorrow, so don't wait for me for lunch."

A slight smile curled on Freya's lips, "Okay."

The next morning.

Her roommates had all left for interviews early, leaving Sylvia alone, still asleep.

There was a knock on the door. Rubbing her eyes, she got up. Opening the door, she found Naomi standing there, holding a bag. "Still sleeping? What time is it? Get ready."

"It's nine o'clock."

Sylvia tried to tame her messy hair, showing no interest in moving fast. She had pulled an all-nighter and hardly had the energy to move.

Naomi, frustrated, dragged her to freshen up, clearly disapproving of the tiny bathroom.

"I told you to rent an apartment outside, but you insisted on staying in this cramped dorm."

"Mom, do you have any idea how expensive apartments in Kingstoria are? Do you want people to think I'm a gold digger?" Sylvia washed up leisurely. Naomi saw right through her, "Are you stalling?"

Sylvia kept quiet.

Naomi watched Sylvia as she was getting dressed and ready, and then satisfied, she took Sylvia towards the campus gate.

"Mrs. Naomi Garcia, over here."

A cheerful male voice called out.

Sylvia, unaccustomed to her high heels, stumbled, but a pair of hands steadied her.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I..."

Before Sylvia could finish, a cold, mocking gaze hit her from the side.