Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

A name flashed across her mind-Chris Lennon.noveldrama

Sylvia Lloyd realized she had underestimated Chris's skills at hiding in plain sight. But there was no time to dwell on that now; she needed a plan to get through this situation.

Feeling a bit flustered, Sylvia poured herself a cup of coffee and stepped out of the break room. She noticed Bridget Simpson standing by her desk not too far away.

Rushing over, she asked, "Ms. Simpson, is there something you need?"

Bridget subtly pointed at the phone on Sylvia's desk, "Got yourself a new phone?"

Before Bridget could touch it, Sylvia quickly snatched it up. "No, just a new screen protector."

"Hmm." Bridget didn't press further and returned to her own desk, leaving Sylvia to hurriedly tuck the phone into her bag.

During her lunch break, Sylvia took a cab to a phone repair shop. The owner frowned after examining her water-damaged old phone.

"Ma'am, this is an old model from over three years ago. I don't have the screen and battery in stock. I'd have to order them, and it's not really cost-effective. Why not buy a new phone? I've got some great models with discounts."

"No, I just want this phone fixed," Sylvia insisted.

The owner, assuming she was sentimental about it, gestured towards a corner of the display. "Just got some used phones. I can let you have one for a couple of hundred bucks."

"There's been a misunderstanding. I mean I really need this phone fixed," Sylvia clarified, pointing to the phone in his hand.

The owner stopped trying to sell her a new phone. "Alright, but it'll take a week to order the parts."

"That's fine. I'll pay now." Sylvia scanned a QR code to pay, left her contact information, and put her old phone back into her bag.

As she was about to leave, she hesitated and turned back. "I'll take one of those second-hand phones too," she said, pointing to the display case.

The owner found it curious but didn't question it. He handed Sylvia a phone that was almost new, despite a few unavoidable scratches.

Sylvia swiftly swapped her SIM card into the new phone and had the owner transfer some non-essential chats, photos, and videos.

With everything sorted, she briskly exited the repair shop. However, she had barely taken a few steps when two men appeared, trying to snatch her bag.

As she was about to scream for help, one of the men pleaded, "Lily, please don't break up with me know I'm broke now, but I'll give you all the money I make in the future. Don't leave me for that rich guy!"

What on earth? Sylvia was taken aback, feeling like she'd been hit with a sledgehammer.

The other man blocked her way and implored, "Lily, he'll work himself to the bone for you. You can't just leave him because he couldn't buy you a handbag."

The two men played their parts well, and the onlookers were captivated by the

drama, yet no one stepped in to help Sylvia.

"Pretty girls these days only care about money. It's a sign of the times."

"He seems like a good guy. Selling out for money never ends well."

"Just go back with him already."

Sylvia looked at her handbag, which was on the verge of being ripped apart, and then at her feet. She knew she couldn't fight them off.

Even if she screamed for help, no one seemed willing to intervene.

Taking a deep breath, Sylvia shouted towards the distance, "Officer, please help!" The two men and the crowd instinctively glanced in the direction she indicated. Taking advantage of the distraction, Sylvia bolted towards the busiest area she could find. The two men realized the ruse and started to chase her.

Sylvia knew her best chance was to make it to a crowded area. At this point, smashing a phone or a car window was her best bet for attention and assistance.

But as people around her looked more like business professionals striding purposefully and engrossed in their own worlds, she realized she might not get the help she expected.

Her feet were starting to give out.

Fine, she'd smash a car window. She should be able to afford one broken glass.

With that thought, she swung her bag at the window of a car that had just pulled to a stop.