Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Naomi had been frail since giving birth to Sylvia, her body never fully recovered, leaving her unable to have any more children.

The eldest branch of the family only had one grandson, Warren Garcia. The second branch, Edwin was childless, and for Rupert of the third branch, marrying someone who couldn't bear children was out of the question.

When Sylvia caught Bridget instinctively covering her stomach, she couldn't help but find it odd.noveldrama

In her past life, her marriage to Rupert had been the obstacle that drove Bridget away, despite her pregnancy.

But now, with nothing standing between them, Bridget's reluctance to reveal her pregnancy-let alone desire to keep the child-made no sense to Sylvia.

"Sylvia, I know this is hard for you, but trust me, the worst is yet to come. Rupert said he'll marry me after the business deal is signed," Bridget couldn't help but boast, a smirk playing on her lips before she turned to leave the room.

As soon as Bridget left, Sylvia's strength gave out, and she collapsed back onto the bed, burying herself under the covers.

...

Downstairs, Tristan was waiting for Rupert. With an authoritative tone, he asked, "Is it taken care of?" Rupert, his expression unreadable, simply nodded.

"That's good. We can't afford to let this scandal get out. Sylvia's been cooperative, thankfully. We won't have to keep an eye on her anymore," Tristan said, clearly relieved.

Rupert's gaze darkened, "Because she's not pregnant?"

Tristan frowned, "What are you implying?"

"Nothing. Just a thought," Rupert quickly dismissed, though his somber expression remained inscrutable. "Remember your place, Rupert. You can't afford to be distracted by irrelevant people," Tristan warned before leaving.

Orson approached Rupert with concern, "Sir, you're soaked through. You should change, or you'll catch a cold."

Ignoring him, Rupert lit a cigarette, the flame flickering in the dim light, his eyes shadowed even in the daylight.

...

Back in her room, Sylvia was trying to calm her nerves when Naomi burst in with Chris Lennon in tow. "Dr. Lennon, please tell me my daughter is okay," Naomi pleaded.

"Mrs. Naomi, you and Rupert are driving me insane. I'm an internist,

not a gynecologist! I can't treat menstrual cramps. Please, spare me this," Chris was at his wit's end

regretting not going into business as his family had suggested.

Hearing the commotion, Sylvia quickly sat up, "Mom, I'm fine. Please don't trouble Dr. Lennon any further."

Both Naomi and Chris turned their attention to Sylvia.

Seeing her mother's worried face,

Sylvia reassured her, "Really,

oney Ured her, "Really, I'm

s a bit itchy."net

a bit

"Just drink some warm water, you'll be fine," Naomi advised.

As a doctor, Chris still approached Sylvia to give her a thorough check-up.

From a distance, Sylvia hadn't

noticed anything amiss with Chris but upon closer inspection, she was

taken aback by his appearance.

"Dr. Lennon... have you been in a fight?"