Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

In truth, ever since Sylvia had been given a second chance at life, she knew deep down that when it came to Rupert, she was way out of her league.

She had to start small, focus on her immediate surroundings. She thought if she took things one step at a time, she could eventually carve out a path to avenge Stella.

But she had overestimated herself. It turned out every move she made was already anticipated by Rupert.

It was all a trap!

Sylvia got into a cab, feeling like a hollow shell, frozen in place. It wasn't until the driver called out to her multiple times that she snapped back to reality.

"Ma'am, where to?"

"Maple Street."

Her voice was barely a whisper as she watched the cityscape blur by, a tightness growing in her chest.

Tears gathered at the corner of her eyes, blurring her vision.

Before they could fall, she bit down hard on her hand, forcing back the emotions she couldn't afford to show.

When they arrived, Sylvia quickly got out and made her way to a quaint little boutique specializing in antique collectibles.

The clerk brought out a set of twelve zodiac figurines she had ordered.

Tristan loved his tea and had a fondness for collecting unique trinkets.

Even though he had plenty of exquisite collectibles, she felt this gesture was necessary.

Even if he never paid it any mind.

With the package in hand, Sylvia hailed another cab, planning to head to the Garcia Manor. As she passed by the store's glass door, she caught a glimpse of the scarf around her neck.

She reached up to touch it. It was supposed to be soft and warm, but it felt more like a shackle.

Sylvia looked around, her eyes landing on a specific direction, and she began to walk.

...

At the Garcia Manor, Sylvia stood before the grand gate. Just as she was about to

swipe her card, she remembered she had returned it long ago.

Feeling a bit awkward, she knocked on the security office door.noveldrama

One of the young guards, who was always polite to her, recognized her immediately.

"Ms. Lloyd, good to see you. Come on in, Mrs. Fiona and Warren are back too."

He smiled as he opened the pedestrian gate, gesturing for Sylvia to enter. "Thank you."

She nodded appreciatively, but after a few steps, she turned back to him.

"Are Mrs. Fiona and Warren back for dinner?"

"Yes." The guard nodded.

"Did Tristan invite them specifically?" Sylvia asked casually.

"Yeah, I saw the kitchen staff bring in a lot of groceries earlier."

Suddenly, Sylvia felt there was more to this dinner than met the eye.

But Fiona and Warren's issues were family matters. Why did Tristan want her, an outsider, there?

Frowning, she pondered for a moment, then asked, "Has Mr. Rupert come back yet?"

"Not yet."

Hearing this, Sylvia handed the guard a sealed envelope.

"Could you please give this to him when he returns?"

"Of course, no problem."

The young guard took it without question and disappeared back into the security office.

Sylvia pulled her scarf tighter around

her

anneck, burying half her face i

in it,

the gift box in hand, she

hurried towards the manor

As she approached the dining room, the sound of a teacup shattering reached her

ears.

Then came Tristan's furious reprimand.

"You have the nerve to speak up? The mess the Carmen family has made-why should the Garcia family clean it up?"

Sylvia thought it best not to intrude and decided to wait outside for a bit.

But the butler walked by and greeted her, "Ms. Lloyd, you're here."

His words drew the attention of everyone in the dining room.

"Since you're here, why not come in? Why are you lurking outside?" Tristan's voice was tinged with irritation.

Sylvia glanced at the butler, who

kept his head down, expressionless. She

no choice but to com and stepped into the dining room.

Inside, Tristan sat in an imposing armchair, his hands gripping the

armrests tightly, his demenet

authoritative.