Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 256

The noise drew everyone's attention, like moths to a flame.

Even Sylvia found herself glancing at Freya, a knot of suspicion tightening in her stomach.

This was the kind of thing Freya would do, she thought. Always trying to tug at people's heartstrings by acting like the pitiful underdog, no matter the situation.

Back in school, the students, naïve and sympathetic to her tough upbringing, often fell for it. But here, among these sharp-eyed professionals, who couldn’t see through her little charade?

Eloise, frowning, said, "Stop wiping and just step outside."

"Yes, Ms. Eloise," Freya replied, her eyes rimmed with tears, lips quivering as if she were about to burst into sobs—playing the damsel in distress to perfection.

Hilbert, ever the gentleman, offered a supportive arm to Freya, smiling kindly. "It's really not a big deal, no need to be upset."

Freya looked up, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Carmen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she reluctantly left the room, glancing back with every step.

Sylvia snapped back to reality, her gaze landing on the sapphire resting on the table. The security team was carefully returning it to its case. She scrutinized it but found nothing amiss.

Eloise rose, reminding the guards, "Handle with care."

They nodded, affirming their understanding.

Hilbert checked his watch, then turned to Sylvia. "Sylvia, don’t forget the gala."

Keeping a respectful distance, Sylvia nodded. "I won’t, Mr. Carmen."

Afterward, Eloise escorted Hilbert out, while Sylvia accompanied the guards to safely store the sapphire.

As she passed Bridget, there was an enigmatic smile on Bridget’s lips. "Stay cautious, Sylvia."

"Thanks for the heads up," Sylvia replied, her own smile not quite reaching her eyes, as she followed the guards.

Two days later, with the brooch’s setting complete, only the sapphire needed to be mounted. Eloise personally oversaw the process, while Sylvia stood by, instructing the jeweler to be meticulous.

Yet, the unexpected struck.