Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia felt a chill run down her spine as she quickly averted her eyes.

He couldn't possibly know, could he?

No, he couldn't.

Just as these thoughts ran through her mind, Hilbert's voice boomed through the grand hall.

"Thank you all for coming to the Carmen Group's celebration party. I believe our future at the Carmen Group will only be more glorious."

Everyone looked up to see Hilbert standing atop a ladder, surveying the crowd like a king.noveldrama

At that moment, the guests understood the true purpose of the champagne tower.

It wasn't hospitality; it was a show of dominance.

Most guests were seasoned businesspeople, keeping their composure while Hilbert laughed heartily from above.

Just below the ladder stood Warren Garcia, the strategist behind the Carmen Group's success.

Warren's gaze swept the room, no longer warm but filled with the ambition of a businessman.

Perhaps this was his true self.

A man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

From across the room, Warren's eyes landed on Sylvia.

She quickly looked away, unwilling to meet his gaze.

After the champagne tower was filled, everyone raised their glasses in a toast.

Hilbert downed two glasses, then announced he was heading to the restroom.

As he left, he gave Sylvia a significant look.

The other members of the Carmen family were too caught up in their joy to notice anything amiss.

Freya tugged at Sylvia's arm.

"Sylvia, Mr. Carmen is gone. Maybe you should have a private word with him,” she suggested.

Sylvia pulled her arm back, casting a glance towards Rupert. "Let's wait a bit."

Freya followed her gaze, spotting Rupert. Her fists clenched involuntarily.

It seemed Sylvia was still conflicted.

Just then, Rupert stood up and left the banquet hall.

Sylvia made a move to follow, but Freya blocked her path and stood up herself.

"Sylvia, think it over while I head to the restroom."

"Alright." Sylvia sighed, resting her chin on her hand.

Freya hurried out, as if she had urgent business.

Sylvia watched her disappear, gripping her champagne glass tightly before downing the entire drink.

As she set the glass down, she noticed a graceful figure in white beside her. It was Bridget.

Dressed in a high-neck, long-sleeved velvet gown with a lace and diamond necklace, she was understated.

In all the time Sylvia had known her, she'd never seen Bridget dress so conservatively.

She must not be fully recovered.

Otherwise, regardless of the event, she'd ensure she was the center of attention.

Bridget swirled her drink, smiling. "Drinking so fast? Courage booster?"

Sylvia pressed her lips together. "None of your business."

With that, she turned and left the hall.

Bridget chuckled to herself. Even at the end, she's defiant.

Sylvia stepped into the elevator, taking a deep breath as she pressed the button for her floor.

As the doors began to close, a long, pale hand stopped them.

Sylvia back

alreher senses, the man

stepped inside, casually

alled, and when she came

the button for the top floor.

As the doors shut once more, Sylvia

glass up, her retreat halted by the I of the observation el

elevator.

The elevator ascended, casting a golden hue inside, illuminating the man o had been standing in the

shadows.

His dark eyes seemed to glow with a golden rim in the sunlight as he suddenly leaned close to Sylvia's face.

They were almost nose to nose, and she instinctively held her breath, swallowing nervously.

"Use me and then run?"

It was Rupert.