Chapter 21
Feeling the weight of someone's gaze, Sylvia turned her head.
It was Rupert.
Dressed in a sleek black suit, his long fingers resting against his temple, the ruby ring on his finger catching the
sunlight with a hint of a chilling thirst. Bridget was leaning close by his side. It appeared Bridget was whispering
something, their proximity and Rupert's soft expression spoke volumes. Sylvia averted her gaze, feigning calm as
she lowered her hand.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it." The man followed her gaze, "That's Mr. Rupert Garcia, isn't it? He really adores his fiancée, to
personally drop her off." Indeed. It was apparent to everyone Rupert's preference for Bridget. Except, in her past
life, she was like a fool, waiting for him, loving him.
Just as Sylvia was about to nod, Naomi tugged at her sleeve.
"Since we're here, you should go say hello to Rupert."
"I'd rather not." Sylvia shrugged off the hand, making to leave. "You..."
Naomi's reproach was cut short by Bridget's sudden exclamation.
"Naomi, Sylvia, what a coincidence. And this gentleman is?"
Bridget, arm in arm with Rupert, sized up the man beside Sylvia.
Naomi had always thought of Bridget as a schemer, and after the ordeal with the Garcia family, she was even
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtmore convinced of Bridget's ill intentions.
She stepped closer to the man, boasting slightly, "This is Julian Zook, from the Zook family. A real catch, we're all
quite pleased."
The emphasis on "we" was loaded with meaning. Sylvia didn't have a chance to intervene before she felt the
gaze across the table darkened. Julian stepped forward, gentlemanly, "Mr. Rupert Garcia."
Rupert's gaze barely swept over him, lingering instead on Sylvia, a hint of mockery lifting the corners of his
mouth, "we?"
Finally, his glance passed over Julian with an ambiguous tone, "A real catch indeed."
Sylvia felt a shiver down her spine, her palms sweating. What was meant to be a casual remark felt like a
looming disaster, suffocating her.
Bridget's eyes flickered with disdain upon surveying Julian. In Rupert's presence, Julian was insignificant, a good
match for Sylvia though.
Yet, Bridget didn't reveal her scorn, wearing a soft smile instead, "Mr. Zook is such a catch, Sylvia. You should
hold on tight. A quiet, simple life is the real deal. No need to think about all that unnecessary ." Her
insinuation made Julian frown slightly.
Naomi, unable to hold back her indignation, was about to retort when Sylvia pulled at her. Engaging in an
argument would only play into Bridget's hands.
Sylvia looked up at Rupert, his expression nonchalant. He knew better than anyone who she had made the
unnecessary with.
His silence was akin to affirming Bridget's slander.
Sylvia scoffed, pulling Naomi along, "Mom, Mr. Zook, let's go."
Julian politely bid farewell, and then opened the car doors for Sylvia and Naomi.
Shortly after, Sylvia received a message from Professor White.
"Sylvia, I'm sorry. Mr. Garcia intervened, securing an extra competition slot for Bridget."
"I understand."
Her grip tightened around her phone. The outcwasn't actually surprising. Yet, she felt breathless and
powerless, as if struggling within a vortex, unable to grasp at any lifeline.
She thought she had gained an upper hand. Yet, she was still overwhelmingly suppressed. How long would fate
continue to mock her?
At the restaurant.
Julian, ever the gentleman, pulled out
a chair for Sylvia ang fered her 4
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ofass oad Wine, The content is
on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
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"You've seemed down, are you feeling okay? Mulled wine should help warm you up."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Thank you."
Kindness always left a good
impression. Sylvia smiled, nodding,
gradual refaing! Nadrh seeing
this Bedmed, "Mr. Zook, my Sylvia is
just a bit reserved, don't mind her."
"Not at all, Ms. Lloyd is wonderful, and...very beautiful."
Julian's gaze remained fixed on Sylvia, his smile gentle.
Feeling slightly out of her comfort zone, Sylvia looked down, sipping her drink.
After the meal, Naomi, thoroughly
pleased with Julian, had a wide smile.
Pretending to ansyver yall she"
excysed hers "Sylvia, Edwin needs
me. I'll head back first. Why don't you
two catch a movie, get to know each
other better?" The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!