Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 9

The hall was vast, yet Rupert's presence seemed to freeze the air around him, making it hard for anyone to breathe.

He remained silent. But everyone knew he was furious.

He took out a cigarette pack, lit one up, and exhaled a cloud of smoke that veiled his face. Through the hazy mist, his gaze on Sylvia was unreadable.

"Get lost."

Tristan then waved his hand in displeasure.

Naomi helped Sylvia to her feet. Sylvia pulled her hand away, standing tall and firm in the center of the hall, her voice strong and clear, "Since I'm such an inconvenience here, I'll move out at once. Grandpa, thank you for your care over the years."

She was determined to leave with her dignity intact, unlike in her past life, where she was always cautious and fearful.

With that, Sylvia turned and left.

The looks that followed her were dangerous and sharp.

...

Stepping out of the hall, Sylvia felt the wave of nausea and dizziness hit her, side effects of the amount of the pills she'd been taking.

She barely made it a few steps before fainting. When Sylvia awoke, Naomi was sitting by her bedside, eyes rimmed with red.

Seeing her awake, Naomi slapped her, not hard, more like a tickle.

"Did you want to scare me to death? You can't just mess around with those pills."

"Mom, it's pointless. I can never escape the Garcia family if I don’t take it," Sylvia said weakly.

"You...what a tough life! I told you before to mingle with the wealthy young men. Marrying well could have given you a comfortable life," Naomi advised.

"Like you?"

What kind of comfortable life was that?

Naomi bit her tongue. Then, the door opened, and Edwin came in with a bowl of soup.

"You’re awake. Have some soup, it'll make your stomach feel better."

Sylvia was about to thank him when she noticed a cut on Edwin's ear, likely from something sharp. Tristan must be behind this. He never liked their side of the family, disdaining his second son for his simplicity and for marrying a woman with a daughter.