Chapter 74 Taking a Gamble
Cyril’s face flushed with both embarrassment and uncertainty. He had no inkling what sort of scandalous act his sister might be planning, but he felt it was imperative to intervene.
“I don’t know exactly what she’s planning against you, but by coming here today, I’m sure she’s up to no good. Consider this a warning. Whether you believe me or not is up to you,” said Cyril, having said his piece and leaving the ball in Sylvia’s court.
Sylvia seemed slightly incredulous, questioning if Cyril had approached him solely to convey this vague caution. He knew Bonnie too well, and he doubted Cyril had any concrete notion of her potential schemes.
“You don’t know what she might do, but I’m all too aware. How about we make a wager? Let’s bet on whether your sister plans to ruin my reputation today,” Sylvia proposed, which left Cyril taken aback. He understood that Bonnie could be extreme in her actions, but to bring someone to the brink of ruin seemed far–fetched.
Sylvia noticed every nuance in Cyril’s expression. Over the years, he had become adept at reading Cyril–every movement, every subtle sign, without ever misinterpreting them. It puzzled Sylvia that he could still pick up on Cyril’s emotional shifts with such immediacy. Though they were no longer connected, his body’s instinctive responses made it impossible to fake indifference. Sylvia sensed Cyril’s repulsion to the idea of Bonnie causing serious
harm.
The realization that Cyril would naturally side with his sister, considering Sylvia a stranger, wasn’t surprising. Cyril’s apparent willingness to warn Sylvia was likely out of nostalgia for past affections rather than genuine concern.
“So, you re coming to me with this because you believe she won’t actually do anything to me Sylvia inhaled deeply, suppressing the bitterness emerging within. It made no sense to dwell on it. Cyril favoring his kin was natural, and Sylvia admitted he would do the same if roles were reversed.
Cyril neither nodded nor shook his head. Truthfully, he had no idea if Bonnie was capable of such vindictiveness, yet he harbored a hope that she wouldn’t ruin her own life.
“You need to understand something, Cyril. You don’t want Bonnie’s life destroyed, but that’s contingent on her not derailing it herself. Since you brought me this warning, all I can
say
is thank you. As for the rest, I’ll handle it. However, if Bonnie does cross the line, don’t think for a second that I won’t retaliate. The degree of my response, well, you’ll just have to wait and see,” Sylvia responded with a firm resolve.
Chapter 74 Taking a Gamble
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Grateful for the warning, Sylvia was willing to give Cyril the benefit of the doubt, but she wanted to make it clear that her warning was based solely on what Cyril had offered.
After speaking with Cyril, Sylvia took her belongings and left. She knew any planned actions from Bonnie wouldn’t just be empty threats. She moved to a more secluded corner and sent a text message to Bruce to inform him. Bruce’s face was grave when he arrived.
“Cyril actually warned you today? Should we do something in advance?” Bruce was suggesting that if Bonnie was planning something, perhaps they should nip it in the bud instead of waiting for things to escalate, which could harm Sylvia’s reputation.
Sylvia shook her head. “No, I want to see what she’s capable of. If she’s ready to strike, I want to know how far she’ll go.”
Bruce understood that Sylvia had made up her mind; she was determined to make Bonnie pay a price. Armed with foreknowledge, they could prepare themselves.
Bruce nodded and discreetly arranged for additional security on his phone. It was crucial to protect Sylvia regardless of what Bonnie might attempt.
While Sylvia was pondering Bonnie’s possible actions, a server approached with several glasses of champagne, likely tense from doing something like this for the first time. Asking if Sylvia wanted any, it was clear that the server’s approach was unusual–normal servers wouldn’t personally offer drinks when there was a table laden with beverages nearby.
Cyril watched as Sylvia accepted a glass of champagne with a nod, prompting the server to visibly relax and move away, just as they passed Cyril, who was scowling.
Sylvia held the glass without drinking, sensing eyes upon her–resentful eyes that had been following her. With a small smile, she glanced in Cyril’s direction and took two sips of the champagne, right in front of him.
I couldn’t pin down his feelings, but there was an uncomfortable taste in his mouth seeing Sylvia take those sips.
After downing the drink, Sylvia placed the glass on the table and headed outside. She grabbed some napkins from another table; the champagne she had sipped had never been swallowed and was promptly spat out the moment she turned her back.
After disposing of the content, Sylvia rushed to the restroom to clear her throat. She had no idea what kind of substance might have been mixed into that drink, and taking any chances with her health was out of the question.