Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia looked at Rupert in surprise. How on earth did he know she was craving clam chowder?

Rupert turned his head slightly, his voice calm, "Go ahead, have some."

"Okay."

Sylvia nodded and took a sip of the soup.

Watching the scene unfold, Warren's expression was inscrutable, his hand gripping his fork tightly.

Fiona dabbed her lips with a napkin, chuckling softly, "Sylvia, what brings you to dinner with Rupert? As someone older, let me remind you that some things shouldn't be repeated. For a woman, reputation is everything."

Sylvia's face turned pale.

She was well aware that Fiona was alluding to that fleeting moment between her and Rupert. Though it had happened ages ago, the Garcias never dared to discuss it openly. Yet here was Fiona, making her feel small in front of everyone at the table.

Just then, the sound of tea being poured interrupted the tension.

After setting down the teapot, Rupert leisurely picked up his cup, his gaze icy as he locked eyes with Fiona.

"I wasn't aware I needed to report my whereabouts to outsiders. Wouldn't you agree?"

The word "outsider" cut Fiona deeply.

She slammed her fork down. "Rupert, what exactly do you mean by that?" Rupert set the cup down slowly, his face devoid of emotion. "Just what I said. Come and go as you please-treat the Garcias like a playground? Really?"

"If the decision is so tough, maybe I should ask Tristan for permission to set you both free."

Fiona and Warren's expressions flickered with panic for a moment.

Leaving the Garcias would mean returning to the Carmens-a fate not exactly filled with honor.

Warren, ever the savvy one, raised his glass toward Rupert. "My mom didn't mean anything by it, just joking around with Sylvia."

"Oh? It's only a joke if the person you're joking about finds it funny. Do I really need to explain that?"

Rupert's ring-adorned fingers tapped rhythmically against the cup, the ruby glinting under the light, each tap resounding like a countdown.

Warren shot Fiona a warning glance.

Reluctantly, Fiona turned to Sylvia,

"Sylvia, your aunt spoke out of tumetnoveldrama

It wasn't intentional. I'll drink to` make up for it."

She tilted her head back, downing her tea.

Sylvia ignored her, focusing on her chowder.

Fiona's frustration was evident, but she dared not provoke further.

Nearby, Hilbert watched Fiona with a hint of reproach before stepping in to ease the situation.

"Alright, alright, let's eat," he said with a grin. "Sylvia, if you enjoy clam chowder that much, have some more."

Hilbert cheerfully slid the dish closer to Sylvia.

Setting her bowl aside, Sylvia wiped her mouth. "I'm full."

Hilbert pressed his lips together, his plump cheeks quivering as he squinted at her.

Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Sylvia maneuvered her wheelchair back. "I need to use the restroom. Enjoy the meal."

After taking a moment to compose herself in the restroom, she washed her hands and stepped out.

Warren was waiting, cigarette in hand, a barely concealed edge of anger in his eyes.

"So, you've chosen him? Do you really think he'll treat you well? You betrayed him once; he's only out for revenge."

"You're overthinking it," Sylvia said, attempting to steer her wheelchair around him.

He slammed a hand down on the wheelchair, halting her progress, and leaned in closer.

Sylvia pressed back against the chair, raising her hands to fend him off, but he grabbed her wrists tightly. "Sylvia, know you're still upset, but my feelings for you are genuine. Once this deal wraps up, even Rupert will have to show me respect in Kingstoria. Stick with me, and you won't have to worry about the Garcias bothering you anymore."

Sylvia struggled fiercely, her wrists reddening as she failed to break free.

"I have no interest in your power games," she snapped. "You better beat him, or you'll be the next to fall!"

Warren chuckled softly, his hand

brushing

against Sylvia's cheek.

"Don't believe me? Stick with

and he'll have no choice but to lose."

Sylvia froze. "What do you mean?"

"To take down someone powerful, you target their weakest point."