Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 39

"Tristan. He's the one who believed in my innocence, setting up this press conference for me. Even though I'm not related by blood to the Garcias, they've treated me...like one of their own. They would never hurt me. Thank you, I really appreciate it." Sylvia bowed deeply to Tristan.

Despite his irritation, Tristan found himself at a loss for words, managing only to nod and smile at the crowd.

But it must be said, this move quickly defused the negative public opinion facing the Garcia family.

After the press conference, Sylvia quickly caught up with the female officer, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you. If it hadn't been for you, finding the evidence from Julian, I would have..."

The officer asked her colleague to lead the others to the car, and then turned to Sylvia with a troubled look.

"It wasn't me. It was Rupert's doing. He was the one who sent people to find those girls in just one night. Before, when we tried to approach them, none of them wanted to mess with the Zooks." "What are you saying?" Sylvia gasped, her breath hitching.

"Julian's going down this time, there's no escaping his sentence. The Zooks can't protect him now."

The officer's tone was heavy with implication.

Was she suggesting Rupert's goal was to have Julian pay for all his crimes, not just one case of the attempted assault?

The officer patted her on the shoulder, "I think you should talk to Rupert. There seems to be a misunderstanding between you two."

By the time Sylvia regained her senses, the officer had already left. Turning around, she saw Rupert coming out. Hesitating for a moment, she was about to approach him when she saw Rupert step aside, giving way to Tristan.

Sylvia instinctively hid behind a nearby plant. Peering through the leaves, Tristan seemed visibly upset.

Rupert stood in the dappled light, silently lighting a cigarette. The smoke swirled around him as he half-closed his eyes, his gaze inscrutable.

Tristan cut to the chase, "Was this your doing?"

Rupert hummed in acknowledgment, exhaling smoke and continued coolly, "A settlement only solves problems temporarily. I don't like being threatened by the Zooks. Sylvia kicking up a fuss is just enough to shake up them. Why settle for less when I can have it all?" He lowered his gaze to flick off some ash, his expression obscured by the thin veil of smoke.

Hearing this, Tristan nodded, "You played it well, but about Bridget..."

"She's not involved. She won't be harmed," Rupert said, his voice deep.

"If you want to protect her, that's your call. But as for Sylvia, that girl who tried to play games with me, she's expendable."

"There's no point in bothering about people who don't matter." Rupert continued to smoke leisurely, his tone emotionless.

Tristan gave him a look, satisfied with his composure.

"Alright, I'll leave you to it."

"Sure."

After seeing Tristan off, Rupert continued to smoke, his back to Sylvia.

Sylvia leaned against the wall, covering her mouth. She curled up, her face ashen.

So, she was still just a pawn in Rupert's game, and he was still defending Bridget. Thinking about being labeled as someone who "doesn't matter", she trembled uncontrollably, staring blankly at the pale wall. After an unknown amount of time, Rupert had left.

Sylvia pushed herself off the wall and slowly made her way back to the main hall.

At the time, Bridget seemed to be the picture of distress, her eyes red, and nestled into Rupert's embrace.

She even gave Sylvia a provocative look, as if to say, no matter what happened, Rupert would always protect her.

Sylvia straightened her spine and approached them, handing Rupert the flash drive.

"Uncle, here's a recording of Bridget and Vincent's conversation. I think you'll find it very interesting."