Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 164

Eloise had just walked in.

She surveyed the chaos on the ground, Bridget and Sylvia’s design drafts stained and spoiled. Her brow furrowed in disapproval.

Before anyone could speak, Freya stepped forward, her voice laced with sorrow, pointing an accusing finger at Christine.

"Ms. Eloise, Christine spilled coffee all over Ms. Simpson and Sylvia's sketches!"

Eloise's expression darkened as she turned to face a visibly shaken Christine.

With cheeks flushed red, Christine stammered, "It was an accident, I swear. I do this every day without fail; everyone here can vouch for me."

Her colleagues, grateful for her everyday kindness, quickly came to her defense.

"Ms. Eloise, Christine really is the first to arrive and takes such care in preparing our morning brew. She's scrupulous, and never once made a mistake. This must've been a fluke."

"Christine's always so proactive and never complains. There's no way she had any ill intentions."

One after another, her colleagues stood by her, leaving Freya, who had accused Christine, feeling awkward and out of place.

One colleague, unable to hold back, added, "And why are some people not at their desks, coming to the office instead?"

Caught off guard, Freya adopted a look of injured innocence, "I...I was just checking on Sylvia since we're friends. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause trouble. It's my fault, you're right."

The colleague was momentarily speechless, as if they had committed some unforgivable act against Freya.

Eloise, watching the office devolve into a noisy mess, furrowed her brows deeper, "Enough! Is this a marketplace? What’s all this about?"

Silence fell immediately.

Turning to Bridget and Sylvia, Eloise massaged her temples, "Can either of you salvage your work?"

Bridget glanced at Eloise's assistant, Bella, who nodded subtly. With a light chuckle, she assured, "Don't worry, Ms. Eloise. I've got it covered."

Eloise hummed in response, and then turned to Sylvia.

"And you?"

"I'll...I'll do my best," Sylvia managed, her voice weak and her complexion pale.