Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 183

The form-fitting dress clung to her silhouette as if it had been tailored just for her. The porcelain smoothness of her exposed arms gleamed under the chandelier's light, making it hard for anyone not to take notice.

Despite the modest exposure, an undeniable allure radiated from her, commanding attention effortlessly.

Sylvia caught Freya staring and adjusted her dress deliberately, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Freya, this dress feels a bit snug on me."

In their past life, when Sylvia became the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons, Freya had dropped the façade of concern, stepping over Sylvia both literally and metaphorically at her lowest.

"Don't blame me, dear. How could I just sit back when you've always outshone me? We were supposed to be friends, yet somehow, you were the one who caught Rupert's eye.

Let me tell you- every trap laid for you was a joint effort between Bridget and me. And now? Rupert can't even stand the sight of you. You're better off gone."

If Freya loved to revel in jealousy, then so be it.

Freya’s fists clenched, and the envy practically radiated from her as she fiddled with the hem of her dress.

Sylvia, pretending not to notice Freya's turmoil, smiled. "Let's not keep everyone waiting, shall we?"

Perhaps thinking ahead to her schemes, Freya's expression quickly returned to normal.

"Yeah, let's go."

Together, they entered the banquet hall, and almost instantly, Sylvia became the center of attention. Even those who had been busy flattering Bridget found their eyes irresistibly drawn to Sylvia.

Bridget, seething with anger, clenched her teeth so tightly it was a wonder they didn’t crack. Yet, she forced herself to maintain a façade of poise.

Then came Christine’s dramatic gasp.

"Oh my! A fashion faux pas!"

The comment drew attention, and Eloise, arm-in-arm with her husband, turned to see what had caused the commotion.

As she turned, her gaze met Sylvia’s.

It became clear to everyone that Sylvia and Eloise were wearing the exact same dress, a major social blunder at any high-class gathering.

Especially since there's a saying that goes, "Wearing the same dress isn't scary, but being the less attractive one is."

Eloise, still a vision of grace and elegance, made the dress look sophisticated and chic.

Could Sylvia be the other woman?

Eloise's gaze shifted subtly toward Sylvia.

Sylvia, however, remained silent, an enigmatic presence.

Christine, seeing her silence, teased, "It does make one wonder how Sylvia knew Eloise would wear that dress."

Bridget scrutinized Sylvia, hinting, "That's no ordinary dress. Sylvia's just an intern; could someone have bought it for her?"

Amidst the growing speculation, an unexpected person stepped forward.

Eloise's husband.

Attempting to appear magnanimous, he interjected, "Let's not make a big deal out of a dress. We're here for Ms. Simpson's birthday party, after all. Let's focus on that."

Sylvia lifted her gaze.

She had what she was waiting for.