Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

As Sylvia was about to turn away, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Rupert, long time no see. I'm glad to see you're doing well."

It was Warren.

His voice was as gentle as ever, seemingly etched with an innate softness that made every word sound tender, even when laced with a challenge directed at Rupert.

Sylvia slowly raised her eyes, meeting Warren's gaze as he approached her. Warren wore the same easy smile, his voice low as he softly called out, "Sylvia."

To Sylvia, however, his voice felt as cold and calculating as a snake silently slithering towards its prey, waiting to strike.

"Warren," she replied coolly.

Naomi had mentioned that Fiona, using the excuse of visiting her parents, had taken Warren to the Carmen family's estate.

Warren was now the mastermind behind the Carmen Group, rarely making appearances at the Garcia Group. This had put Tristan in a foul mood all week, snapping at anyone who crossed his path.

With the Carmen Group's recent alliance with the Rockfield family, they were practically strutting through the business circles, ignoring Rupert as if he were insignificant, basking in their newfound success.

Thinking about it made Sylvia's blood boil, and she clenched her fists in frustration.

Warren, ignoring her hostility, crouched down with gentlemanly concern. "Sylvia, what happened to your foot?"

"Nothing," Sylvia replied, trying to mask her disdain for Warren's feigned concern. She knew he was only using her to provoke Rupert. Unfortunately, Warren didn't realize Rupert couldn't care less about her.

When Sylvia didn't respond, Warren reached out to take her hand.

She tried to pull away, but he anticipated her move, aiming for her wrist instead. Just then, a slender hand intercepted, firmly grasping her own and pulling her aside.

"Take a seat; there's always room for more," Rupert said calmly.

Warren's eyes darkened slightly as he rose, turning his attention to Rupert.

"No need to be so formal. We're hosting, after all. We wanted to thank you for giving up such a valuable partnership."

Fiona, who had been silent until now, stepped forward with a smile.

Once modest in appearance, she now glowed with an air of opulence. She cast a quick glance at Sylvia before turning her attention to Rupert.

"Rupert,

One setback isn't the end of

the world. You're not one to hold f

grudges," she said, tugging at

brother's arm. "Isn't that right

Hilbert?"

her

Sylvia's eyes moved to Hilbert Carmen, the president of the Carmen Group, standing beside Fiona.

But Hilbert ignored Fiona, staring intently at Sylvia instead, sending a shiver down her spine.

Before she could react, Hilbert extended his hand toward her.

"Sylvia! You've become even more beautiful since I last saw you."

Having seen the true colors of the Carmen family, Sylvia couldn't muster any goodwill towards them.

Her memories of Hilbert were

mostly from the occasional New Year visits when the Carmen family would visit the Garcias. Back then, he was always overly kind, showering her with compliments.

She used to think it was just the usual praise an elder might give, but now that the Carmen family was

thriving, Hilbert's gaze held an

unmistakable intent, blatant@nough for anyone to understand.

Remembering how his eyes used to linger on her, Sylvia felt a wave of nausea.

Despite her discomfort, Sylvia remained composed, just as she was about to speak, a warm towel was placed in her hand.

Rupert's voice was cold. "If you're not here to eat, feel free to leave."

Hilbert's jaw clenched, but Fiona cut him off before he could respond.

"Let's eat. We're family, no need for formalities," she said, gesturing for everyone to sit.

And just like that, a dinner meant for two grew to accommodate five.noveldrama

Sylvia, who had been looking forward to a quiet meal, found her appetite completely gone.

As the dishes were served, Warren placed a piece of steak into Sylvia's bowl.

"Sylvia, you need to eat more while you're recovering."

"She doesn't like beef," Rupert interjected, taking the steak from Sylvia's bowl and placing it onto the side dish plate.

In its place, he set down a bowl of fish soup in front of her.