Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 251

A name flashed across her mind—Chris Lennon.

Sylvia Lloyd realized she had underestimated Chris's skills at hiding in plain sight. But there was no time to dwell on that now; she needed a plan to get through this situation.

Feeling a bit flustered, Sylvia poured herself a cup of coffee and stepped out of the break room. She noticed Bridget Simpson standing by her desk not too far away.

Rushing over, she asked, "Ms. Simpson, is there something you need?"

Bridget subtly pointed at the phone on Sylvia's desk, "Got yourself a new phone?"

Before Bridget could touch it, Sylvia quickly snatched it up. "No, just a new screen protector."

"Hmm." Bridget didn't press further and returned to her own desk, leaving Sylvia to hurriedly tuck the phone into her bag.

---

During her lunch break, Sylvia took a cab to a phone repair shop. The owner frowned after examining her water-damaged old phone.

"Ma'am, this is an old model from over three years ago. I don't have the screen and battery in stock. I'd have to order them, and it's not really cost-effective. Why not buy a new phone? I've got some great models with discounts."

"No, I just want this phone fixed," Sylvia insisted.

The owner, assuming she was sentimental about it, gestured towards a corner of the display. "Just got some used phones. I can let you have one for a couple of hundred bucks."

"There's been a misunderstanding. I mean I really need this phone fixed," Sylvia clarified, pointing to the phone in his hand.

The owner stopped trying to sell her a new phone. "Alright, but it'll take a week to order the parts."

"That's fine. I'll pay now." Sylvia scanned a QR code to pay, left her contact information, and put her old phone back into her bag.

As she was about to leave, she hesitated and turned back. "I'll take one of those second-hand phones too," she said, pointing to the display case.

The owner found it curious but didn't question it. He handed Sylvia a phone that was almost new, despite a few unavoidable scratches.

Sylvia swiftly swapped her SIM card into the new phone and had the owner transfer some non-essential chats, photos, and videos.