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.

lugging your suitcase around. If you refuse, I'm afraid I'll have to insist in my way." Sylvia clutched her backpack, gazing over the dark car window on the back seat, which was

in her previous life and

cold realization sank in, and Sylvia only felt chilly all over; she was finally able to live her second chance at life and had no desire to challenge Rupert's fury

side, only to be ushered into the

car. Glancing over suspiciously, she saw Rupert's imposing figure reclined in the seat, his eyes half-close, his face partially hidden in shadow under the dim light, exuding danger and austerity. Rupert

of 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

It was Naomi.

for not seizing the opportunity. However, Rupert's gaze fixed on her, his brow furrowed, leading her to answer the call

I ever wronged you to make you run away like this?" Naomi's voice broke with desperation, each word revealing her helplessness. She, too, was aware of her being unable to

your stepfather to set you up on a blind date. It's better to have a man to rely on than to be out there alone. Your stepfather sure can find someone suitable for you." Naomi started lecturing

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

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

got to