Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 38

However, the skeptical glances from those around her were about to drown Bridget. Without a solid reason, the image she'd carefully maintained would crumble into nothing.

Bridget pressed her lips, a spark of determination flickering in her eyes as she tried to persuade, "Sylvia, have you forgotten something? We're now talking about you inciting someone to harm me. I gave you the chance to stand here and apologize as a means towards reconciliation. Only through making amends can you walk away unscathed." Playing the victim card was useless; now, she was resorting to threats. Sadly, she miscalculated once again.

Sylvia turned to face the female officer, who spoke sternly, "Ms. Simpson, we investigated the man who allegedly attempted to harm you. He has no criminal record, just a daughter in need of medical treatment. Our investigation into his bank account revealed a transaction matching the exact amount needed for the surgery from an overseas account.

Pinpointing the owner of that account is only a matter of time, but I can tell you clearly that Ms. Lloyd has no overseas accounts to her name. So, Ms. Lloyd has been falsely accused."

With that declaration, Bridget was left speechless, biting her lip in frustration. Finally, she turned her gaze towards Julian, hoping he shared her unwillingness to let Sylvia off the hook given how terribly he'd been beaten.

As expected, Julian struggled to stand up and said defiantly, "Sylvia, no matter how much evidence you gather, it won't change the fact you're a deceiver. If you don't apologize, our Zook family will never let this slide.

Look at what she did to me! She agreed to dinner and a movie, even hinted that she wouldn't return to campus after ten. Tell me, isn't a woman talking like that to a man basically consenting to be bonked by me? Yet, because I didn't shower her with designer goods and money, she treated me like this."

Julian played the victim, pouring out his grievances in front of the camera, while casting disdainful glances at Sylvia. He had already secured the support of the Garcia family, confident Sylvia wouldn't dare cross them.

Sylvia watched his acts, enduring the intense humiliation that seared through her like molten lava, and felt her heart wrench in pain.

Under all the gazes, she was torn apart; everyone was scrutinizing her broken state.

She looked up, meeting Rupert's indifferent gaze, thinking, "See, this is the person you wanted me to reconcile with, the business deal you negotiated using me?"

Sylvia lowered her gaze, silently enduring. After all, she had been coerced into signing the settlement, effectively accepting all the accusations.

Suddenly, the female officer approached Julian.

"Mr. Zook, it seems you've missed the news online. Numerous victims have come forward with evidence accusing you of sexual assault in your car. Save your energy; you're going to need it for the statements you'll have to make." "Y-You...you're lying! They wouldn't dare!" Julian panicked, inadvertently exposing himself.

"They dare now."

The officer handed Julian a pair of handcuffs. Julian attempted to flee, but as he ran past Rupert, somehow, he ended up flying through the air and crashing into a wall in a most pitiful state.

Sylvia, feeling a sense of vindication, shouted, "Mr. Zook, you should learn to understand plain English. No means no, not a coy invitation."

Julian was dragged away.

Suddenly, the room fell silent, all eyes on Sylvia. There was skepticism, scrutiny, curiosity...

And Tristan's disapproving stare.

Sylvia turned, picking up the microphone, her slender frame casting a pale shadow under the lights. She lifted her face slightly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, a mix of self-mockery and the relief of having survived a catastrophe. Her stunning, ethereal beauty was devoid of any color, as if she might shatter at any moment. Yet, she smiled, "Today, I want to thank someone."