Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 255

Upon hearing the conversation, Sylvia jumped in immediately.

"Mom, please don't. You know how the Carmen family operates these days. If you don't trust Uncle Rupert, surely you believe Edwin, right?"

"You're right," Naomi sighed, stifling a yawn. "But the Carmen family has roped in quite a few investors for this project. If they weren't entirely sure, they'd have to be pretty reckless."

Sylvia urged her mother to worry less and get some rest.

Hanging up the phone, Sylvia's unease only grew stronger.

…

Though Sylvia didn't appreciate the way Hilbert Carmen looked at her, she put her all into designing a men's brooch. Inspired by a koi fish, she captured its elegant turn, with fins and tail gracefully fanning out in the imaginary water.

The fish's head was adorned with Hilbert's own sapphire, while the rest of the brooch featured white diamonds and a gradient of blue sapphires radiating towards the head.

Eloise was quite pleased, noting it was masculine enough yet softened Hilbert's aura of smugness.

Hilbert was equally pleased, responding almost immediately and promising Sylvia and Eloise that he'd have the sapphire sent over the next day.

The smoothness of the transaction surprised both Sylvia and Eloise.

With a thoughtful expression, Eloise said, "I'll arrange for extra security tomorrow. We need to ensure that sapphire gets safely into the vault, no room for error."

Sylvia nodded in agreement. "Alright."

Yet an inexplicable feeling nagged at her, as if something was bound to go wrong.

The next day arrived.

Sylvia and Eloise waited by the entrance with security in tow.

Eloise checked her watch. "They should be here any minute."

Just then, a commotion stirred in the studio as Bridget approached with the others.