Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 63

Naomi and Edwin were the kind of folks who couldn't keep a secret. So, when Sylvia decided not to tell them about her competition date, it was only to avoid any unnecessary pomp and circumstance.

That left only one person, Warren Garcia.

Just yesterday, he had called her to wish her the best of luck. Little did she expect the surprise he had in store for her today.

Her roommates, unable to contain their excitement, opened the box that had arrived, which revealed a stunning lavender silk gown.

The bodice was adorned with hand-sewn beads, scattered in a seemingly random but perfectly balanced pattern, catching the light and shimmering softly.

Below the waist, the gown flowed into dual layers of the finest silk, one shade deeper than the other, casting an ethereal, dreamlike hue.

"Wow, this dress practically glows even under our dorm's crappy lights. Can you imagine what it would look like on stage? Absolutely dazzling!"

Her roommate's remarks amused Sylvia.

"Stop laughing and get changed now. We've got to do your makeup too."

...

An hour later, Sylvia was being fawned over as if she were a doll on display.

"You look stunning, Sylvia. Even as a straight woman, I'm falling for you."

"Sylvia, you've got this. You're the top of our class, after all."

"Relax, Sylvia. We believe in you."

Nodding, Sylvia wrapped herself in a coat and headed out. Her roommates had wished to accompany her to the venue, but, being new interns, they couldn't get the time off work.

But with their encouragement, Sylvia already felt enough.

Forty minutes later, Sylvia arrived at the venue.

Attending to this new designers competition, there was a judge who was a renowned jewelry designer nationwide, her studio famous both at home and abroad.

Just as she was about to enter the room, Freya's voice came from behind.

"Sylvia, I..."

Freya stopped mid-sentence, walking over, her eyes widening in disbelief as they took in Sylvia's appearance. Despite trying to hide it, a brief flash of envy betrayed her feelings.

"What's up, Freya?" Sylvia asked, keeping her tone neutral.

Only then did Freya regained her composure. She pressed her lips a bit and then let out an encouraging smile.

"I just wanted to wish you luck. My roommate mentioned this imported milk that's supposed to be amazing, so I went out of my way to get it for you this morning, hoping you could have it before the competition. Here, let's have one together."

Freya's smile was convincing, her hands carefully offering the milk as if she were presenting a treasure, a gesture that could easily evoke sympathy.

But Sylvia was well aware of the venom hiding beneath her facade, and of the milk's likely tampering.

Still...she accepted the milk.