Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

She lifted her clear blue eyes, filled with a mix of concern and anticipation.noveldrama

Rupert didn't say a word. He wasn't one for repeating himself on the same issue.

He turned and walked away.

Bridget watched Rupert's retreating figure, her palms clammy with nervous sweat. Unable to contain herself, she hurried after him and caught his arm.

"Mr. Rupert, did Sylvia say something about me?"

Rupert's gaze was cold as he responded with a question of his own, "What should she have said?"

Under Rupert's scrutiny, Bridget felt like she was being looked at by someone who saw her as insignificant. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't decipher any emotion in his eyes.

Realizing she'd spoken too much, she quickly flashed a smile.

"Oh, it's nothing. I was just worried there might have been a misunderstanding in the studio earlier. You know how girls can hold grudges."

"Really now?"

Rupert didn't elaborate, but those two words were enough to make Bridget feel like he was siding with Sylvia. But she didn't dare show her disappointment. She clasped her hands together, maintaining a gentle smile.

"I guess I was overthinking it. I'll clear things up with her next time."

"Okay."

Rupert got into his car without another glance back and drove away.

Bridget watched the car disappear into the distance, a look of discontent on her face.

Not far away, the Simpson family's chauffeur was busy capturing the scene on his phone. He quickly sent the photos and video to an unknown number, soon receiving a hefty payment.

Early the next morning, the conference room at the Carmen Group was silent as a grave.

Just days ago, Hilbert had sat at the head of the table, basking in his own glory. Now, he sat further down with a sullen expression.

Warren also wore a dark look. Despite his pleading, Tristan had refused to help the Carmen Group. Now, they were left waiting for someone to come and buy them out, to take the helm, and dictate their future.

Warren's expression was as grim as a storm cloud, thinking of the opportunity that had slipped away like sand through his fingers.

Just then, the conference room door swung open.

A familiar figure strolled in, causing Warren's already sour mood to plummet further.

"Uncle Rupert!"

"Rupert! Why are you here?" Hilbert spat, his voice laced with anger.

"Who else would be willing to take on the Carmen Group's mess?" Rupert replied, stepping up to the head of the table and sitting down with a calm authority. He cast a sidelong glance at Warren. "This is business, so address me as Mr. Rúpert."

Though his demeanor was composed, there was a commanding presence about him that made everyone feel as though the entire room was under his control.

Apart from Hilbert and Warren, everyone else understood the shift in power. After

all, the Carmen Group was turning a new leaf from today.

"Mr. Rupert!" they all chorused.

Rupert nodded slightly, his gaze settling on Hilbert and Warren.

Hilbert had been undermining Rupert for a long time. Rupert had

tolerated it for the sake of family

ties, but it had made Hilbert believe Rupert owed him some deference.

With the Carmen Group under new leadership, Hilbert found himself under Rupert's thumb. Refusing to lose face, he slammed a folder down and stormed out.

Rupert's expression remained unchanged. He glanced at Orson by his side.

"Let HR know Mr. Carmen needs to spend some time learning the ropes from the ground up."

"Understood."

With that said, Rupert turned his attention to Warren.

His long fingers tapped lightly against his temple, waiting for Warren to speak.

Warren clenched his fists, lowering his head just slightly. "Mr. Rupert." "Let's begin the meeting."

Rupert didn't respond further, making it clear to everyone he didn't regard Warren with any significance.

Warren sat down, humiliated, scribbling deeply into the paper in front of him, until his phone buzzed with a newly trending headline.

He smirked inwardly. This wasn't over yet...