Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Private Dining Room.

Everyone could see how much Mr. Lennon admired Sylvia. Each time someone new walked in, he'd introduce her, practically beaming with pride.

So yeah, Sylvia was definitely the center of attention tonight.

Halfway through dinner, Sylvia's phone suddenly started buzzing.

She glanced at the screen-Orson was calling.

Hesitating for a few seconds, Sylvia finally excused herself with a quick, "I need to

use the restroom," and slipped out of the private room.

She answered as soon as she got into the hallway. "Orson? What's up?"

"Ms. Lloyd, you need to get to Mr. Rupert's room. He—"

Clattering-static-then nothing but interference, like something heavy had just crashed down, and then the line went dead.

Sylvia froze for a split second, then spun on her heel and bolted for the elevator.

She quickly realized her heels were slowing her down, so she kicked them off and dashed barefoot into the elevator.

She hadn't seen the cigarette someone had dropped and left burning on the elevator floor.

"Shit!" she yelped, hopping as the hot ash burned her foot, and then of course- the elevator doors caught her on the hip as she stumbled in.

But she didn't have time to care. Gritting her teeth, she slammed her floor number and waited, bouncing in pain.

She half-ran, half-limped all the way to Rupert's room, then pounded on the door with all her might.

It finally swung open-but it wasn't Rupert.

It was Bridget.

Bridget was wrapped in a silk robe, but she hadn't bothered tying it, so her nightgown was on full display for anyone to see.

"Nightgown" was being generous. It was really just lingerie-a deep V of floral lace that barely covered anything, with a skirt of see-through mesh.

Bridget noticed Sylvia's shocked look, and only then did she slowly tie her robe, feigning surprise. "Oh, sorry! I was in such a hurry to answer the door, I forgot to tie this. You looking for Mr. Rupert? He's in the shower."

Sylvia's gaze dropped and she noticed water running down Bridget's legs. Clearly, she'd also just come from the bathroom.

As for what they'd been doing-Sylvia didn't want to think about it.

"It's nothing," Sylvia managed after swallowing hard three times.

Bridget smiled, full of fake concern. "Well, I'll get back to Rupert, then Oh, looks like you hurt your foot. I've got some Band-Aids. After all, I'm practically your aunt now-don't be shy."

She tugged her robe tighter and went rummaging for the first aid kit.

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When she turned around, Sylvia couldn't help but catch a glimpse of the room clothes scattered everywhere, pillows tossed on the floor, women's and men's underwear draped over the couch, and a used condom wrapper by the trásh.

Sylvia quickly looked away, fists clenching and unclenching.

But really, what did it matter? Rupert and Bridget were engaged. This was bound

to happen sooner or later.

Bridget handed her a Band-Aid,

putting on a show of being the

caring future aunt. "Be more careful next time, okay? You're not a kid anymore. Don't run to your Uncle Rupert over every little thing."

"Yeah, I know," Sylvia said, taking the Band-Aid and turning to leave.

Bridget smirked, closed the door, and disappeared into the dark bedroom.

She crawled back into bed, curling up next to Rupert.

"I'm back, Mr. Rupert."

He rolled over and pulled her beneath him.

Sylvia limped back to the dining room. Eloise saw her pale face and rushed over.

"What happened? You just went to the bathroom-you look like you've seen a ghost!"

"It's nothing. Twisted my ankle. Just hurts a bit," Sylvia lied, forcing a smile. "Don't bother pretending. You look awful. The dinner's almost over anyway- come on, I'll help you to your room."

Eloise frowned, gave a quick goodbye to the others, and helped Sylvia out.

They walked the hallway in silence, except for Sylvia's phone buzzing over and over again.

"Aren't you going to answer that?" Eloise asked.

"Just spam calls," Sylvia muttered, switching her phone off.

Eloise sighed.

The next morning, just after sunrise, Sylvia and Eloise flew back to Kingstoria.noveldrama

When Sylvia got off the plane and turned her phone back on, she saw over thirty missed calls.