Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Hilbert clung to the suggestion like it was a lifeline, quickly chiming in, "Yeah,

yeah, that's right. No wonder I couldn't remember all that. It must have been when Sylvia got me drunk at dinner last time. You can't count that, right?"

Sylvia felt her heart skip a beat. Her lips parted, but no words came out, as if she were frozen by some invisible force.

She hadn't thought this through.noveldrama

She had anticipated Hilbert might deny it, but she hadn't expected him to admit to it in such a roundabout way.

Warren, ever the smooth operator, stepped down gracefully and approached Sylvia, extending a hand.

"Sylvia, I believe you wouldn't steal the jewels. There's got to be some misunderstanding here. Trust me, I'll help you sort this out."

A classic move, stepping back to advance.

Sylvia glared at him, eyes blazing with anger, but despite that, he continued to smile.

His gaze lingered on her face before settling on her scarf, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Then, in a voice only the two of them could hear, he murmured, "Sylvia, you can't beat me. In this world, it's not just about the truth or lies; it's about who's speaking them. No one will believe you. Not even Uncle Rupert can help you now. You need me."

Sylvia's chest heaved with rage, her breathing quick and shallow, like a wild animal trapped in a cage.

Meanwhile, Warren stood outside the cage, a hunter teasing his prey.

Just then, the large screen flickered back to life.

Sylvia nodded toward the screen, a hint of relief in her voice, "Why don't you take a look for yourself?"

Warren turned his head, the smile freezing on his face.

The video showed Hilbert lounging on a couch, flanked by two glamorous women. Their dresses adorned with designer logos suggested they were from some upscale venue.

All of them seemed tipsy.

One woman leaned into Hilbert, cooing, "Mr. Carmen, you're quite the celebrity in Kingstoria these days. Impressive."

Hilbert hiccupped, "You know it. Stick with me, and there'll be plenty of perks."

"Really? We should test that out. Word is you got some fancy gem at an auction. Mind showing us?"

"No way," Hilbert refused immediately.

The other woman, clearly the more diplomatic of the two, cut in, "Don't

just ask

fox it like that. You can't expect Mr. Carmen to show auction pieces to everyone, right? He's not like that Mr. Lennon you sweet-talked into showing his

antiques. Isn't that right, Mr. Carmen?"

Anyone could tell these two were playing good cop, bad cop.

But Hilbert, swollen with pride and flushed with alcohol, was easily provoked.

"What a joke, comparing me to that Mr. Lennon. You want to see it? Fine, I'll show you."

In no time, Hilbert had his bodyguard present the item to the women.

One woman held the sapphire aloft, perfectly captured by the camera.

It was the missing Kashmir sapphire.

Hilbert pointed at the sapphire, boasting, "This little rock's been a big help."

"Mr. Carmen, how so?"

"I pulled a fast one at Eloise's place Once Sylvia realizes the gem's switched, she'll be at my mercy I can't wait," Hilbert commented with a sleazy grin.

"Mr. Carmen, you're something else."

The video ended, but the chaos did not.

Into the lavish, decadent party Ha

stormed a gaggle of middle-aged couples, their clothes a riot of colors, faces etched with weariness and shrewdness.

Guests nearby recoiled, stepping aside to avoid any contact.