Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 10

They'd built a private park that surrounded the estate, which, on rare occasions, would open its gates for public events. Yet, there was no subway lines, bus routes, even taxis were barely spotted.

Sylvia's quickest route to a train station was a solid twenty-minute walk away.

She battled against the chilly breeze under the streetlights. She had only been walking for a few minutes when the blare of a car horn approached her. Instinctively, she stepped aside, but to her surprise, the vehicle pulled up right next to her. "Ms. Lloyd, please get in."

A familiar face jutted out as the car window rolled down. It was Orson, Rupert's assistant.

Sylvia was stunned for a moment, her gaze flickering to the backseat where she caught sight of a hand adorned with a red-stoned ring tapping impatiently on a knee. Rupert.

She wanted nothing more to do with him, shaking her head, "No thanks. Drive safe."

Pulling her backpack closer, she continued on her way, while Orson swiftly got out from behind and blocked her path.

invited softly, "Ms. Lloyd, please get in the car, it's for your own good. Mr. Garcia mentioned it wouldn't look good for you to be seen lugging your suitcase around. If you refuse, I'm afraid I'll have to insist in my way." Sylvia clutched

life and had no illusions

chilly all over; she was finally able to live her second chance

nod, she moved towards the passenger side,

in, she immediately noticed the strong scent of alcohol filling the car. Glancing over suspiciously, she saw Rupert's imposing figure reclined in the seat, his eyes

emotion but weighed heavily on Sylvia's heart. After quite a while, she finally recognized the feeling, extraordinarily similar to the piece he'd say as punishing her in the previous life with a "want to leave, huh? Not that easy" kind of tone. Suppressing her resentment, Sylvia budged away. Before she could muster a response, her phone

It was Naomi.

seizing the opportunity. However, Rupert's gaze fixed on her, his brow furrowed, leading her

Naomi's voice broke with desperation, each word revealing

a blind date. It's better to have a man

her peripheral vision, unable to decipher his reaction. But she had already become uneasy, attempting

the other hand, uttered firmly, "Don't try to play dumb. I'm doing this for your

I've got to