Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 272

Hilbert clung to the suggestion like it was a lifeline, quickly chiming in, "Yeah, yeah, that's right. No wonder I couldn't remember all that. It must have been when Sylvia got me drunk at dinner last time. You can't count that, right?"

Sylvia felt her heart skip a beat. Her lips parted, but no words came out, as if she were frozen by some invisible force.

She hadn’t thought this through.

She had anticipated Hilbert might deny it, but she hadn’t expected him to admit to it in such a roundabout way.

Warren, ever the smooth operator, stepped down gracefully and approached Sylvia, extending a hand.

"Sylvia, I believe you wouldn’t steal the jewels. There's got to be some misunderstanding here. Trust me, I’ll help you sort this out."

A classic move, stepping back to advance.

Sylvia glared at him, eyes blazing with anger, but despite that, he continued to smile.

His gaze lingered on her face before settling on her scarf, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Then, in a voice only the two of them could hear, he murmured, "Sylvia, you can't beat me. In this world, it's not just about the truth or lies; it's about who's speaking them. No one will believe you. Not even Uncle Rupert can help you now. You need me."

Sylvia's chest heaved with rage, her breathing quick and shallow, like a wild animal trapped in a cage.

Meanwhile, Warren stood outside the cage, a hunter teasing his prey.

Just then, the large screen flickered back to life.

Sylvia nodded toward the screen, a hint of relief in her voice, "Why don't you take a look for yourself?"

Warren turned his head, the smile freezing on his face.

The video showed Hilbert lounging on a couch, flanked by two glamorous women. Their dresses adorned with designer logos suggested they were from some upscale venue.

All of them seemed tipsy.