Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 36

Alden froze, his face turning ghostly pale. In a panicked gesture towards the screen, he blurted out, "So what if it is? Doesn't this just prove that Sylvia fed me fake news to frame Ms. Simpson?" Nods of agreement rippled through the crowd.

Sylvia, however, looked at Bridget with a serene expression and asked, "Ms. Simpson, you of all people should know who leaked the information to this reporter. Aren't you going to say something?" Bridget's composure faltered for a moment before she quickly retorted, "How is this related to me? I didn't do it!"

Sylvia fixed her gaze on her, "Did I say it was related to you, Ms. Simpson? I only mentioned that we had cleared everything up in the dean's office that day. So, why didn't you clarify things when the reporters and fans misunderstood me?" "I, I..." Bridget was at a loss for words and resorted to crying to mask her inability to respond.

Sylvia, feigning compassion, said, "Ms. Simpson, there's no need to cry. You're making it seem like I'm bullying you. Just help me explain it to everyone, and we'll be fine."

Asking Bridget to explain on her behalf was akin to a public execution. Bridget, obviously reluctant, cast a pitiful glance at Rupert.

Sylvia also looked at Rupert in a self-deprecating manner, thinking, "Rupert, it's your turn to choose again."

As expected, Rupert stepped in to shield Bridget.

"This has nothing to do with her."

Behind Rupert, Bridget wiped her tears and cast a covert glance at Sylvia, as if saying, "See, Sylvia, what does it matter if you slept with him? He will always choose me!"

In fact, Sylvia had anticipated this outcome; she gazed emotionlessly at the couple, yet her heart involuntarily tightened, spreading pain to her limbs.

She clenched her fists, keeping her composure intact.

Rupert, with a cold stare at the unemotional Sylvia, felt unseen waves in his eyes. A sense of irritation gnawed at him, as if something was slipping out of control.

Sensing something, Bridget clung to his arm with a meaningful look, "Rupert, even though Sylvia claims her account was hacked, the fact that no one has been found yet isn't surprising, is it?"

The female officer interjected, "Ms. Simpson, rest assured, we've caught the person. Bring her in!"

To Bridget's astonishment, Freya was brought forward.

Pointing at Freya, the officer sternly said, "Freya, think carefully before you speak."

Sylvia watched the scene unfold with a slight smile. "Oh, Freya," she thought to herself, "are you loyal to your master, or is this a case of a catfight?"

From the corner of her eye, Sylvia noticed Rupert watching her. He still exuded a dangerous aura, his expression unchanged, even unfazed by Freya's appearance.

Sylvia pressed her lips, still unable to decipher Rupert's thoughts, and quickly averted her gaze.

The next second, Freya, with tearful eyes, looked up and said timidly, "Ms. Simpson, I'm sorry. It was out of jealousy that I spoke nonsense to the people online. I had no idea things would blow up like this. Please forgive me. I'm willing to kneel and apologize." While facing Rupert and Bridget, Freya raised her comely face, yet looking quite self-abased, apologizing to Bridget, her eyes lingering on Rupert, her swollen eyes and pale face stirring pity.

Freya's kneeling put Bridget in a tough spot; pressing her further would clash with her image of kindness and generosity.

Reluctantly, Bridget helped Freya up, "Let it go, we're all classmates here, and I don't want to make a fuss."

Sylvia spoke again, "Vincent, since there was no slander against Bridget from my end, your argument falls apart." Vincent, veins throbbing on his forehead and sensing the tide turning against him, decided to throw caution to the wind. "Even if there was no slander, the incitement against Ms. Simpson is still a fact, isn't it?"

"A fat or not, Vincent, you and Ms. Simpson should know better than me, shouldn't you?"