Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 131

"You've really gone above and beyond to clear Bridget's name! But I refuse to play into your hands! Even if it kills me, I'll drag Bridget down with me!"

Sylvia glared fiercely at Bridget before storming towards the door.

Behind her, Rupert's chilly voice eerily filled the space. "Sylvia, do you not care about your mom anymore?"

Sylvia halted abruptly. Her lips were devoid of any color, her mind blank for a moment.

Slowly, she turned around, her gaze locking onto the man before her, her eyes so red it seemed they might bleed the next second.

"Alright. Alright…"

Stiffly, she bent down to pick up the scattered documents. Her fingers trembled as she typed out line after line of humiliation.

Closing her eyes, she pressed the send button hard.

As Rupert approached, she stepped back, offering him a faint laugh.

"Are we good now? Are we?"

As if fearing he hadn't heard her, she asked again. The indifference in her eyes revealed the boundless desolation and emptiness within her soul.

Rupert's pupils dilated slightly, his eyes reflecting an indescribable turmoil.

Sylvia glanced at the stunned Chris, extending her hand. "Hand over your lab coat to me."

Coming back to his senses, Chris complied, albeit confusedly.

Sylvia dropped her bag and shrugged off Rupert's coat, throwing it to the ground. Without hesitation, she began to lift her sweater.

Though she wore a tank top underneath, the action made Chris and Orson immediately turn their backs.

Sylvia kicked the sweater aside and wrapped herself in the lab coat, coldly stating, "I owe you nothing. Watch your fiancée! Don’t let her bark again!"

With that, she turned to leave.

"Sylvia, stop." Rupert reached out to stop her but caught only air.

"You can't control me!"

Sylvia sidestepped, quickening her pace to leave the hospital room.

Rupert picked up the sweater from the floor, its fabric still holding Sylvia's warmth and scent, making his fingers tighten around it.

"Don't worry, I'll get you out of here."

Warren wrapped her in his arms, gently patting her back.

Sylvia numbly followed him to the car. No sooner had she settled in than her phone began buzzing incessantly.

She glanced at it - a barrage of hateful messages.

As expected, she had targeted their idol; they wouldn't let her off easily.

Rupert must be pleased, having gotten revenge for Bridget.

The constant buzzing made Sylvia's head ache even more.

Warren took her phone and switched it off, offering a comforting smile. "Stop thinking about it. I'll take you somewhere nice."

"Okay."

Sylvia knew she wasn't in the best state, and Naomi would only fuss if she saw her like this. Better to find a place to cool off first.

The driver started the car, and Warren caught a glimpse of Orson in the rearview mirror.