Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 283

Fiona and Warren stood there, heads bowed, all traces of previous arrogance long gone.

On the other side were Edwin and Naomi, both looking rather grim.

Naomi gave Sylvia a cautious look, signaling her to proceed.

Sylvia quickly stepped forward with a gift box, greeting Tristan politely, "Tristan, sorry to bother you today. I brought you a little something. I hope you like it."

"Hmm, you shouldn't have," Tristan replied, barely glancing at the gift box, clearly uninterested.

However, he appreciated Sylvia's acknowledgment of her place. A guest should always know their role, and she clearly did.

He waved a hand at the butler, who promptly took the gift away without even asking what it was.

Sylvia had expected this indifference from Tristan and felt no disappointment. She quietly moved to stand next to Naomi, content to blend into the background.

The room grew quieter, the tension in the air palpable.

Suddenly, Fiona dropped to her knees at Tristan's feet, clutching his sleeve. "Dad, I was wrong. I promise I won't do it again. Please, help us out, for the sake of our family."

Tristan, a man who had long been a force in the business world, was unmoved by such pleas. He simply nudged Fiona aside with his foot.

"Look at you! I warned you from the start not to waste your efforts on your own family's schemes. Your useless brother was never going to amount to anything."

"You and your son have always been ungrateful! If it weren't for Rupert seeing through your plans and turning the tables, you'd have walked all over me!"

As he finished speaking, the butler handed him a freshly brewed cup of tea to help him calm down. Tristan sipped his tea, casting a casual glance at Sylvia.

Sylvia felt the weight of Tristan's gaze but kept her head down, her face turning pale, her fingers digging into her palms.