Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 127

Bridget was a master at blending truth with lies, her performances heartbreakingly convincing. Her mention of Sylvia claiming that she had ruined her plans was deliberate, knowing full well Rupert's mind would dart back to the incident in the wine cellar. Given Sylvia's past of supposedly drugging drinks to win affection, Rupert was primed to suspect that her drunken fall into the pool was just another act. Rupert was inherently suspicious. Once the seeds of doubt were sown, Sylvia's reputation could be completely destroyed.

In her previous life, Sylvia had been driven into a corner step by step by Bridget's machinations.

Now, upon hearing Bridget's words, Rupert stood protectively by her side, his expression hard and intimidating. However, Rupert wasn't alone. Two others had arrived just in time.

Tristan and Eloise, who had just returned from a business trip, were summoned by Bridget with impeccable timing. Both of them couldn't help but frown at Sylvia upon seeing the red mark on Bridget's face.

Tristan was the first to challenge Sylvia. "Sylvia, enough with the act. What kind of spectacle is this?"

Eloise, known for her intolerance of manipulative behavior, stood stiffly beside him. If Sylvia truly was the type to stir up trouble, Eloise wouldn't hesitate to have her removed from the studio altogether. "Sylvia, I expect a reasonable explanation from you."

Before Sylvia could utter a word, Bridget eagerly played the magnanimous card.

"Tristan, Eloise, please don't blame Sylvia. It must be my fault. I must have said something wrong," Bridget said, tears streaming down her swollen cheeks, enduring the pain with a furrowed brow but still pleading on Sylvia's behalf.

To an outsider, she was the picture of grace, a woman willing to endure for the greater good.

It was then Sylvia realized the real reason behind Bridget's confrontation. This wasn't just about Rupert - it was a calculated move, a plan to kill three birds with one stone.

Sylvia had a mental health certification in hand, which kept Bridget constrained at every turn. If others found out that Sylvia was only pretending to be mentally unstable, this tactic would lose its effectiveness in the future.

Rupert's suspicion, Tristan's disdain, Eloise's disgust- these weren't accidents. They were Bridget's carefully chosen weapons.

Clutching Rupert's arm, Bridget pleaded, "Rupert, let it be. I don't want to make things hard for Sylvia."

Tristan gave Rupert a sidelong glance.

Rupert's voice was icy as he ordered, "Sylvia, come here and apologize."

Sylvia remained rooted in place, her shoulders trembling. Slowly, she turned to reveal her face. A fresh cut marred her once-beautiful features, blood trickling down her swollen

cheek. Her eyes brimmed with tears of indignation.

"And what about me? Who will apologize to me? Is she allowed to hit people whenever she pleases?"

Bridget's face drained of color. "It wasn't me. I didn't..."

Sylvia raised her hand, pointing at Bridget's ring Ms. Simpson, your ring still has my blood on it. You know flipping it inside out makes it a weapon. Why would you do this to me? Just because I knew about the photos in your phone, and Kwanted you to delete them?"

LAV

At the mention of the photos, Tristan's expression turned to one of furious disbelief, turning his icy gaze upon Bridget.

Bridget, noticing the blood on her ring for the first time, shook her head with feigned innocence. "I didn't. She hit me!"

Sylvia, tears streaming down her face, implored, "If you don't believe me, please check her phone. It will prove I'm telling the truth.

Ms. Simpson said the photos were

just a joke, even claimed Rupert told

her to keep them. I worried they'd spread further. In a moment of desperation, I tried to grab her phone. I don't even know how ended up hitting her... I'm sorry, but I

only wanted to delete those things!"

Sylvia's tearful plea was flawless, showing no signs of deceit.

Now, it was Bridget who appeared flustered. Clutching her phone tightly, her face turned pale as panic set in.

Tristan stepped forward, his demeanor stern and commanding. "Hand over the phone."