Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 169

"What do you mean?" Sylvia's eyes widened in disbelief.

"What do you think?" Rupert's gaze was as deep as the night sky.

Inside the office, Bailey glanced at the message Rupert had sent. Indeed, accepting gifts was always a tricky business.

She immediately called the security room.

"Turn off the surveillance for the elevator leading to my office."

"Understood."

However, the two people in the elevator didn't do anything out of line. Or so it seemed.

Just as Rupert was about to make a move, his phone rang.

Sylvia’s eyes flicked to the screen.

From Bridget.

She looked up at the man looming close to her and said pointedly, "Your fiancée."

Rupert didn't argue, nor did he let her go. Instead, he answered Bridget's call directly.

On the other end, Bridget's sweet voice came through.

"Rupert, the evening gown you sent over is absolutely stunning, I adore it. You really shouldn't have. I'll be wearing a piece I designed myself tonight at the party, and I'd love to take some promotional pictures with you. When can you pick me up?"

"Right away." Rupert's voice was calm, steady, and somehow reassuring.

"I'll be waiting," Bridget replied, her tone filled with anticipation.

Cornered against the wall, Sylvia had no choice but to endure their affectionate conversation. She had almost forgotten that tonight Rupert and Bailey were attending a gala, which was why Bailey had her deliver the jewelry today.

And Bridget was Rupert's date.

Yet here he was, on the phone with his fiancée, his hand still lingering on Sylvia's waist.

A mix of embarrassment and anger surged within Sylvia as she struggled to free herself, but Rupert's grip only tightened.

He ended the call and, with one hand, lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

The overhead light cast sharp shadows across his face, intensifying the depth in his eyes.

"Make sure to catch the gala coverage tonight."

Coverage?

"Forget it. Let's go."

Rupert got into the car and left.

...

Once Sylvia settled into the cab, she exhaled deeply, trying to steady her thoughts. She pulled out her phone, only to see that Bridget, the internet sensation, was already heavily promoting her new design.

[Tonight marks the debut of my first work post-hardship, blessed to have Bailey's support. Grateful!]

The comments section was flooded with praise.

Sylvia’s chest tightened as a lingering discomfort settled in.

Just as she was about to put her phone away, it buzzed with an incoming call from an unknown number.

"Ms. Lloyd, the gown you sent in for cleaning has been taken care of. Are you available to pick it up today?"

It was the gown Warren had given her for the competition, which she cherished deeply but had accidentally stained. She had sent it for professional cleaning.

"Yes, I'll be there shortly."