Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia felt a sudden tightness in her chest. By the time she noticed Warren's suspicious gaze, it was too late.

Warren exchanged a look with Fiona. As Sylvia pulled her scarf away, Fiona yanked it hard, causing Sylvia to stumble and nearly fall. Although she managed to steady herself, the bite mark on her neck was exposed for Tristan to see.

Fiona grabbed Sylvia's hand and pointed at the mark. "Dad, look! I wasn't lying! This is proof she's been messing around with Rupert! It's clearly a man's bite mark!"

Sylvia quickly covered her neck and protested, "It's not! It has nothing to do with Uncle Rupert!"

"You keep saying it's not related, but why were you in Rupert's bed in the first place? Don't tell me it was an accident. We all know what you're up to! You and your mom are just the same, always trying to snag someone with money!" Fiona's voice grew more agitated, dragging Naomi into the mess.

Seeing Edwin about to step in, Sylvia quickly positioned herself in front of him. She didn't want to drag Edwin and Naomi into this-they already had a tough time with the Garcia family.

"Mrs. Fiona, what do you gain from making such a fuss about me and Uncle Rupert? Why won't you just let it go?" Sylvia retorted. "And does this bite mark have Uncle Rupert's name on it? I'm an adult; can't I have a private life? Don't forget, I'm not part of the Garcia family! You have no right to control me!"

Her temper flared, and she cast aside any semblance of decorum.

"Sylvia, watch your mouth!" Tristan scolded, clearly displeased.

Watch her mouth? She had already left the Garcia family as he wished and was just a guest in their household. This visit was nothing more than another opportunity for him to lecture her. Was there any point to it?

She let out a bitter laugh. "Tristan, did I say something wrong? My last name is Lloyd, remember?"

Bang! Tristan slammed the table as he stood up, the noise echoing through the dining room, making everyone's heart jump.

"You're an ungrateful little brat! Don't forget, you and your mother have been living off the Garcia family all these years!" Tristan growled.

Qu

"Today if you don't explain that mark on your neck, you're not leaving this house! And if you want to leave, both you and your mother can get out together!"

He gestured toward Naomi, whose face had gone pale.

"Dad! I won't allow it!" Edwin exclaimed, holding Naomi protectively.

Tristan dismissed Edwin's plea with a scoff, his decision unwavering. Sylvia bit her lip, trying to swallow the humiliation that was stuck in her throat Her eyes inevitably drifted toward Rupert. He showed no reaction, didn't even look at her, just turned his signet ring with a cool, detached demeanor, as if none of this involved him.

She knew he was a heartless man. Closing her eyes, Sylvia felt numb, like she was adrift in an ocean, powerless and hopeless. She forced herself to speak, "It was..."

"It was me."noveldrama

Warren stepped forward, standing in front of Sylvia with a smile. It was warm and gentle, but if you looked closely, you'd see it was superficial, always the same warmth, the same curve. What he offered wasn't a lifeline, but a poisoned arrow.

An arrow that pierced Sylvia, leaving her no room to fight back. Without giving Sylvia a chance to react, Warren firmly grasped her hand and stood before Tristan and Rupert with a devoted and earnest expression.

"The one with Sylvia was me, Grandpa... Uncle Rupert."

Sylvia stood there, shell-shocked, her mind reeling with sudden panic and confusion. But Warren held her hand tightly, denying her any chance to deny his claim. He maintained his façade of deep affection. "Uncle Rupert, Grandpa, I was embarrassed to admit it at first. If you think this breaks the rules, I'll kneel if I must, but it won't change how Sylvia and I feel about each other. I hope you can understand."