Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Rupert honestly looked pissed, and Sylvia just about lost her breath.

After their argument, she stormed into her room and slammed the door shut.

Rupert took a work call, and as he was about to leave, he knocked on her door. "Stay away from him."

Sylvia chucked a pillow at the door in response.

Rupert frowned, a little startled. Her temper was definitely getting worse.

Just then, Orson knocked at the front door.

Rupert turned to open it. Orson handed him a small package.

"What's this?" Rupert eyed him suspiciously.

"Mr. Rupert, I should've reminded people this morning. I bought this for you to give to Ms. Lloyd."

Orson held out a cute little box, almost pleading.

Rupert gave it a quick glance, unimpressed. "No need."

Orson's eyelid twitched. "Mr. Rupert, I asked the girls at the office. They say this is

the trendiest gift box right now."

Rupert sighed and put the box on the coffee table.

With that, they both left.

Sylvia, hearing things go quiet, finally came out of her room. She immediately noticed the box on the table.

What's that?

It looked... weirdly cute but also kind of ugly.

Curious, she opened it. A ridiculous little monster shot out, scaring the life out of her.

"Ah!"

Was this thing calling her brainless?

...

Eloise's new collection was set to launch on New Year's Eve.

Sylvia had been helping her prep for months, and as they checked over the venue together, Sylvia couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment.

Eloise smiled. "Sylvia, you've done a fantastic job. After the launch, I'm making your position permanent."

"Thank you."

"You've earned it. You've had your share of hard times, but things are looking up." Eloise's words held a double meaning.noveldrama

Sylvia didn't catch on. She was about to reply when her phone rang.

It was Naomi.

"Hey, Mom, what's up?"

"I hurt my back, honey. Edwin's not home. Can you come with me to the hospital?"

"Sure. Get your driver to take you there, I'll meet you."

Sylvia quickly asked Eloise for some time off.

Eloise was always understanding with hardworking employees, especially since she and Sylvia had once gotten drunk together at a bar. Neither of them liked to bring it up, but Eloise never forgot Sylvia's support-and even sent her own driver to help out that night.

At the hospital, Sylvia found Naomi sitting in a wheelchair with a back brace. "How'd you get hurt?"

"Mrs. Naomi slipped in the backyard this morning while making breakfast for Tristan," the driver explained. "She didn't think much of it then, stood around all morning, and by afternoon the pain was bad."

Sylvia eyed the driver skeptically. "It's one thing to make breakfast, but why were you standing around all morning?"

The driver glanced nervously at Naomi.

Naomi stiffened, waving her hand. "It's nothing. Tristan invited a priest up from the mountains for a e

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blessing today. First time he's asked me to help in the family chapel, so I had to do my part as a daughter-in-law."

The Garcias were pretty old-school about these things-calling in priests for blessings on holidays and big occasions.

But today? What holiday was it-Christmas?

Sylvia understood and frowned. "He did that on purpose. If he really cared, he'd have had you join for something important, like the family's Thanksgiving."

Naomi, glancing at the driver, quickly changed the subject. "Alright, alright, it's nothing serious. My back's always been tricky, let's not waste anyone's time." "Anyone else's-?"

Before Sylvia could finish, Chris Lennon's cheerful voice came from behind.

She turned to see him. "Aren't you a general physician? Why are you handling this?"

Chris straightened his white coat.

"Doing a favor for a friend. Perks of being well-liked around here. I set up appointments for Mrs. Naomi with ortho and spine specialists. If nothing serious shows up, it's probably just a muscle strain. Nothing too bad."