Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 21

Feeling the weight of someone's gaze, Sylvia turned her head.

It was Rupert.

Dressed in a sleek black suit, his long fingers resting against his temple, the ruby ring on his finger catching the sunlight with a hint of a chilling thirst. Bridget was leaning close by his side. It appeared Bridget was whispering something, their proximity and Rupert's soft expression spoke volumes. Sylvia averted her gaze, feigning calm as she lowered her hand.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." The man followed her gaze, "That's Mr. Rupert Garcia, isn't it? He really adores his fiancée, to personally drop her off." Indeed. It was apparent to everyone Rupert's preference for Bridget. Except, in her past life, she was like a fool, waiting for him, loving him.

Just as Sylvia was about to nod, Naomi tugged at her sleeve.

"Since we're here, you should go say hello to Rupert."

"I'd rather not." Sylvia shrugged off the hand, making to leave. "You..."

Naomi's reproach was cut short by Bridget's sudden exclamation.

"Naomi, Sylvia, what a coincidence. And this gentleman is?"

Bridget, arm in arm with Rupert, sized up the man beside Sylvia.

Naomi had always thought of Bridget as a schemer, and after the ordeal with the Garcia family, she was even more convinced of Bridget's ill intentions.

She stepped closer to the man, boasting slightly, "This is Julian Zook, from the Zook family. A real catch, we're all quite pleased."

The emphasis on "we" was loaded with meaning. Sylvia didn't have a chance to intervene before she felt the gaze across the table darkened. Julian stepped forward, gentlemanly, "Mr. Rupert Garcia."

Rupert's gaze barely swept over him, lingering instead on Sylvia, a hint of mockery lifting the corners of his mouth, "We?"

Finally, his glance passed over Julian with an ambiguous tone, "A real catch indeed."

Sylvia felt a shiver down her spine, her palms sweating. What was meant to be a casual remark felt like a looming disaster, suffocating her.

Bridget's eyes flickered with disdain upon surveying Julian. In Rupert's presence, Julian was insignificant, a good match for Sylvia though.

Yet, Bridget didn't reveal her scorn, wearing a soft smile instead, "Mr. Zook is such a catch, Sylvia. You should hold on tight. A quiet, simple life is the real deal. No need to think about all that unnecessary drama." Her insinuation made Julian frown slightly.

Naomi, unable to hold back her indignation, was about to retort when Sylvia pulled at her. Engaging in an argument would only play into Bridget's hands.

Sylvia looked up at Rupert, his expression nonchalant. He knew better than anyone who she had made the unnecessary drama with.

His silence was akin to affirming Bridget's slander.

Sylvia scoffed, pulling Naomi along, "Mom, Mr. Zook, let's go."

Julian politely bid farewell, and then opened the car doors for Sylvia and Naomi.

Shortly after, Sylvia received a message from Professor White.

"Sylvia, I'm sorry. Mr. Garcia intervened, securing an extra competition slot for Bridget."

"I understand."

Her grip tightened around her phone. The outcome wasn't actually surprising. Yet, she felt breathless and powerless, as if struggling within a vortex, unable to grasp at any lifeline.

She thought she had gained an upper hand. Yet, she was still overwhelmingly suppressed. How long would fate continue to mock her?

...

At the restaurant.

Julian, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for Sylvia and ordered her a glass of mulled wine.

"You've seemed down, are you feeling okay? Mulled wine should help warm you up."

"Thank you."

Kindness always left a good impression. Sylvia smiled, nodding, gradually relaxing. Naomi, seeing this, beamed, "Mr. Zook, my Sylvia is just a bit reserved, don't mind her."

"Not at all, Ms. Lloyd is wonderful, and...very beautiful."

Julian's gaze remained fixed on Sylvia, his smile gentle.

Feeling slightly out of her comfort zone, Sylvia looked down, sipping her drink.

After the meal, Naomi, thoroughly pleased with Julian, had a wide smile. Pretending to answer a call, she excused herself, "Sylvia, Edwin needs me. I'll head back first. Why don't you two catch a movie, get to know each other better?"