Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 26

Tristan was already fuming, and seeing his son not living up to expectations only added fuel to the fire.

Lifting his hand in frustration, he nearly wished he could drill some sense into Edwin's head, scolding, "How on earth did I end up with such a useless son? Brainless! Completely led astray by a woman! If you had half the wit of Rupert, we wouldn't be in this mess today!" Edwin's face turned even grimmer.

Sylvia, who had been about to open the room, let go of the doorknob. She knew stepping in would only embarrass Edwin further.

Edwin had always been kind to her. She couldn't bear it.

Just then, a cold voice cut through the tension. A dark, composed figure stepped in slowly, his handsome face betraying no emotion, though a hint of chill lingered in his eyes. "Dad, Julian's alright now. There's no point in berating Edwin."

"I want to do more than berate him! Now the Zook family is demanding explanations. This scandal getting out tarnishes the Garcia family's reputation! This all comes down to recklessly letting people into our lives, bringing a disaster with them, who was all tangled up in affairs with men!"

Tristan glanced at Naomi with a stern face, clearly indicating the source of the trouble: Sylvia.

Naomi bit her lip hard, wanting to argue but not daring to.

Rupert, with his cool demeanor, calmly said, "This can still be resolved. A simple settlement with Sylvia should suffice. Otherwise, digging deeper into this, Julian's going to lose more than just his pride, and it won't just be about us negotiating a partnership - it'll be them begging for it."

It was clear to anyone with a bit of sense that Julian was no novice to such dealings. Digging deeper meant not just a blow to Julian's reputation, but trouble for the entire Zook family.

They were making noise about Julian's being assaulted simply to leverage more benefits in the partnership. Business matters could be effortlessly negotiated.

Tristan looked at Rupert with satisfaction, "Alright, do as you said."

Edwin, clenching his fists, retorted, "No way! Sylvia was nearly...by that beast. Asking her to settle? Isn't that the same as admitting she's okay with what Julian did?"

Tristan was about to explode in anger when Rupert cut in before him, "Sylvia will agree."

Tristan nodded, "I'll leave you to handle it."

After hearing it, Sylvia, not knowing how she found her way back to her bed, buried her face in her arms, her lips trembling.

So, she was just a bargaining chip for Rupert in his business dealings! That was why he lied to the police, saying he hadn't seen Julian's misconduct!

Minutes later, the door opened, and she peeked out, looking listlessly at Rupert as he entered. Approaching the bed, Rupert reached out to touch her but she dodged his hand. Indifferently twisting his ring, he said flatly, "Heard everything?"

Sylvia remained silent.

Rupert continued impassively, "The police will follow up. Signing the settlement is best for your mom and Edwin."

Hearing him say it out loud, Sylvia could hear her own ragged breathing. She bit her lip, trying not to make a sound. Until she swallowed down the taste of blood in her mouth, along with all her grievances. She had no choice. Not for her, but for Naomi and Edwin.

She looked up into Rupert's eyes, managing a smile, "Happy now, uncle?"

Rupert's hand, originally turning his ring, paused; he merely grunted in response, still the cold, ruthless businessman.

"I'm tired. You can leave."

With that, she turned to another side, her back facing Rupert.

Rupert left the room, his expression dark.

Orson followed, whispering, "Should I explain things to Mr. Edwin?"

"There's nothing to say."

"Understood. Ms. Bridget Simpson has been waiting downstairs for a while."

"Let's go."

Rupert spared one last glance at the room before leaving.