Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 78

It was an unfortunate truth that the last person Sylvia ever wanted to ask for help was Rupert. She withdrew her gaze, her eyes falling on the glass of vodka in front of her, and tilted her head back to drink in one go. Rupert paused, his cup halfway to his lips, his cool and collected demeanor emanating a distinctly icy aura.

However, the three men around Sylvia seemed oblivious to the tense atmosphere, bursting into laughter.

"Wow, girl, you can really hold your liquor. Come on, have another one on me."

"If you've drunk theirs, you've gotta drink mine too! Otherwise, it's like you're dissing me!"

And just like that, Sylvia found herself coerced into downing three large glasses. Her throat burned, making it impossible to speak, and her hands were too weak to even clench into fists.

Her cheeks flushed a beautiful shade of pink, her already stunning face now resembling a ripe cherry - glowing enticingly and drawing the hungry gazes of the men around her.

The three men exchanged looks, their smiles leering, but the presence of the principal and Rupert restrained their actions. Their plan was to get Sylvia drunk first, then find an excuse to take her away.

The man sitting next to Sylvia, while pouring her more vodka, casually placed his hand on the back of her chair, occasionally brushing against her back as if by accident.

"Hey, I heard you got second place in the contest. We've gotta celebrate that properly. Here, have another drink."

Sylvia, fighting nausea, shifted away to avoid his touch. But he took the opportunity to wrap an arm around her shoulders, trapping her and bringing his greasy face close to hers with a grin. The smell of alcohol mixed with the strong scent of tobacco nearly made Sylvia gag. Ignoring Sylvia's resistance, he tried to nuzzle his face against the skin of her shoulder...

Suddenly, Sylvia pushed the man away and stood up, not wanting to cause a scene at the celebration dinner.

"I need to go to the restroom." Staggering slightly, she made her way out of the private room.

Once inside the restroom, Sylvia splashed her face with cold water to regain some semblance of sobriety After a moment of thought, she took out her phone and set a timer. Then, massaging her temples, she forced herself to stay alert as she left the restroom.

The next instant, Sylvia felt the world spin as an arm wrapped around her waist, easily pulling her into a secluded corner next to the restroom. Tall plants provided a partial screen, casting shadows on

the man's dark suit.

"Is asking for my help that difficult?"

His voice, low and magnetic, resonated above her, tinged with an almost imperceptible chill. His half-closed eyes hinted at danger, but his expression was unmistakably possessive.

She raised her hands to struggle, but the alcohol had weakened her, and her efforts barely registered with him.

He watched her futile attempts with

the amusement of someone watching a child, then firmly grasped her shoulders. His normally gentle fingers now seemed cold as they brushed against her skin. Soon,

Sylvia's shoulders

and

ached, making her shrink away from his advances.

"Let go... uh..."

Before she could finish, a strong hand clasped the back of her head, preventing any resistance.

The man took advantage of the moment to kiss her, grinding his lips against hers. When she refused to open up, he pressed harder.

Sylvia glared at him, biting down on his lip in defiance. The taste of blood mingled between them, but he seemed unfazed, taking the opportunity to slip something into her mouth with his tongue.

Sylvia swallowed reflexively, and within seconds, the burning sensation in her throat and stomach eased. Stunned, she gave him the chance to deepen the embrace.

The kiss nearly suffocated her, her head growing dizzy as she tried to move. But her hands were securely held by his. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of high heels quietly stepped back from behind the plants.