Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 129

"What's going on? Why the long face?"

Miriam wrapped her arms around Bridget and, upon seeing her face, gasped. "What happened? Who dared to do this to you?"

"Sylvia!"

Bridget, with a look of deep resentment, recounted the events to Miriam.

The more Miriam listened, the angrier she got, slamming her hand on the table.

"Unbelievable! After dragging our name through the mud and forcing us to apologize to that wretch, Naomi, now her little brat thinks she can play these games? Clearly, she hasn't learned her lesson!"

"Mom, Tristan and Eloise saw everything. What do I do?" Bridget pressed her lips together tightly.

Miriam began pacing, her elegant figure stark against her plotting demeanor.

Then, she stopped and smirked.

"Sylvia has played her last card. Now's our chance to strike."

"But my phone was wiped clean," Bridget said bitterly.

"What does that matter? Remember, you're our trump card. When it comes to influence, how could she possibly compete with you?" Miriam lifted her chin, pityingly adding, "Look at your face- she really did a number on you." Bridget instantly understood Miriam's insinuation.

...

An hour later, news of Bridget's altercation landed across all major platforms. Surveillance footage showed Bridget leaving a hospital room, her cheeks swollen and her expression a picture of distress.

Curious netizens dug deeper, uncovering that the room belonged to Sylvia. Given their previous clash during a competition, speculation ran wild.

Rumors of Sylvia's secret rendezvous with Rupert also resurfaced. Thanks to Bridget's substantial online following, her fans quickly rallied against Sylvia.

Just as the controversy reached its peak, Bridget released a video to clarify.

"Thanks for your concern. Sylvia and I just had a bit too much to drink at dinner, this is all just a misunderstanding. Look at me, I'm okay now, right? Let's not be hard on Sylvia."

But she didn't deny Sylvia's attack. Admiring her resilience and empathy, the fans were touched.

"Sylvia and Rupert? That's pure

fiction. People have always said we look alike because of our hairstyles and outfits. Everyone knows how

well Rupert treats me; there's no way he'd be with another woman

QUMS

Sylvia might have been seeking attention, but Rupert's heart belonged to her alone. "I'm really fine, I..."

The video abruptly cut off, leaving viewers with nothing but the image of Bridget's pained expression- before it was suddenly deleted. Yet, it was swiftly downloaded and analyzed by viewers.

[When Bridget got close to the camera, you could tell her makeup was thick, hiding bruises and even some redness.]

[She disappeared from the frame suddenly, as if touching her face caused her much pain.]

[Even in this state, she's protecting Sylvia. Isn't that just too kind?]

[The whole affair with Sylvia and Rupert was a storm in a teacup, but could it have been true after all?]

The topic remained hotly debated.

...

At the Garcia Manor.

Tristan sat in his armchair, posture erect, a white chess piece in hand, gazing at the board with a deep voice.

"In the hospital, Sylvia seemed to be wearing your clothes."

"Bridget took them to Paradise Pavilion for dinner. After a mishap, Sylvia borrowed them, being family and all," Rupert said, his expression unchanged as he focused on the game.

"Just remember to keep your wits

about you. Your brother's family is a

mess; don't let them drag you down with them. The Garcia family's reputation can't afford to suffer because of their problems. Know when to cut ties."

Tristan made his move, the game reaching a critical point. He looked up, leaving the next move to Rupert.

"I understand."

Rupert glanced at the board, placing a black piece decisively before standing up to leave.

The butler, watching from behind Tristan, commented, "It seems Rupert got your message."

Tristan nodded, moving to place another piece on the board, then paused.

"But I've lost."