Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia knocked softly on Eloise's office door, just as Bella was leaving.

She glanced at Bella but stayed silent.

Eloise turned to Bella and said, "You can leave us now."

Bella hesitated for a moment before obediently nodding and exiting the room.

Once the door clicked shut, Sylvia was ready to explain the situation. But Eloise slammed a folder onto her desk with a loud thud.

"Sylvia! I have to tell you, this is your responsibility, and the studio won't cover for you!"

Startled by the noise, Sylvia stood frozen for a few seconds before recovering her composure. "I'll handle it, I promise," she said, her voice steady.

"Good to hear," Eloise replied, her voice firm.

Outside, Bella pressed her ear to the door, eavesdropped with a smirk, and walked away. Even Eloise wasn't backing Sylvia. She was truly cornered.

At the Carmen Group's celebration party, Sylvia, under tight security, carried a safe box and followed Eloise into Hilbert's suite.

Alongside them were Bella and Freya. Freya had been recommended by Bella, and Sylvia understood all too well that Bridget was behind this. They were setting her up for failure.

But Sylvia was ready to play her part.

Freya's presence was crucial for this performance. Without her, the act wouldn't work.

As soon as Sylvia entered, Hilbert's gaze fixed on her, leering and intimidating. Henoveldrama

lit a cigar and chuckled, "Ms. Eloise, you're right on time. I was starting to think you weren't coming."

Eloise, dressed in a sleek black backless gown, exuded confidence and professionalism. "Mr. Carmen, you're one of our top clients. Of course, we wouldn't miss it."

She threw a pointed glance at Sylvia, her presence commanding. "What are you waiting for? Get on with it."

Sylvia, pale and resigned, stepped forward to face Hilbert. "Mr. Carmen, here's the custom jewelry you ordered."

Unlocking the safe, Hilbert lifted the jewelry box lid. The brooch was the same, except the once exquisite Kashmir sapphire in the bird's head had been replaced with an ordinary blue sapphire.

Just as Hilbert's temper flared, he noticed a room key card discreetly attached under the lid.

Realization dawned on him-Sylvia had conceded.

Hilbert burst into laughter, fastening the brooch to his lapel. "Excellent excellent. I do appreciate someone who knows how to adapt. I love this brooch."

Eloise visibly relaxed, her tone now slightly sycophantic. "I'm glad you like it, Mr. Carmen. It's Sylvia's pleasure to serve you."

Hilbert, with a cigar between his fingers, gestured arrogantly towards Eloise. "Ms. Eloise, I'll make sure you're well taken care of."

Eloise nodded slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Carmen. We'll leave you now."

Hilbert waved them off grandly. "Go on, I'll see you later."

His words were directed at Eloise, but his eyes lingered hungrily on Sylvia.

Watching from the back, Freya and Bella exchanged a knowing smile.

Once outside the suite, Sylvia appeared dazed.

She hurried to catch up with Eloise, pleading, "Ms. Eloise, I'm feeling a bit

unwelt. I'd like to get some air bit

lobby before the party."

the

Eloise's expression was stern, her voice displeased. "Sylvia, you can't run from this now."

Sylvia bit her lip, nodding. "I understand."

With that, she turned and made her way to the hotel lobby.

Freya, sensing an opportunity, quickly linked arms with Sylvia. "Sylvia, I'll come

with you. I'm concerned about you."

Freya's concern was far from genuine. She was clearly following Eloise's orders, ensuring Sylvia didn't make a break for it.