Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 148

Watching the figure standing beside the flowerbed, Bailey raised an eyebrow, her understanding clear.

Just as she was about to speak, Bridget walked straight up to Bailey and extended her hand.

"Bailey, pleasure to meet you. I'm Rupert's fiancée, Bridget."

Bailey glanced at Bridget, then at her outstretched hand, offering a light, breezy smile. "I'm sorry, Ms. Simpson, I've just been pruning the flowers, and my hands are quite dirty."

Bridget's hand stiffened for a moment before she awkwardly lowered it.

No sooner had she dropped her hand than Bailey took a towel from a servant, cleaned her hands, and made her way directly to Rupert, effectively treating his fiancée as if she were invisible.

Bailey sat down next to Rupert, poured him a cup of coffee, and addressed the others, "Please, take a seat. Eloise has already shared your details with me, so there's no need for any painstaking introductions. I prefer to keep things casual."

The underlying message was clear.

Bridget clenched her purse, a fleeting look of malice flashing in her eyes.

This old lady, putting on airs?

If not for her remaining usefulness, when would she ever get the chance to strut around like this?

But outwardly, Bridget maintained her image of gentle grace flawlessly.

As she took her seat, she leaned slightly towards Rupert, pushing the cup away from him as though making her territory.

"Bailey, sorry to interrupt, but I'm afraid Rupert doesn't fancy this type of coffee."

Doesn't fancy?

Sylvia quietly sipped the coffee, her confidence growing as the rich, aromatic flavor confirmed it was, in fact, Rupert's preferred blend.