Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 31

Naomi rushed to the police station, her face turning pale with fear at the sight of Sylvia's bandaged hand.

"What happened? You just got out of the hospital, and now this? You're a designer, your hands are your livelihood!"

Even Naomi knew the importance of Sylvia's hands. Surely, Rupert understood this too. Yet, he had allowed harm to come to her. If so, just be it.

Sylvia said, smoothing back her hair, "I'm fine. Mom, let's cut to the chase. Did you find out what I asked you to?"

Naomi took Sylvia's hand in hers, tears welling up in her eyes as she finally calmed down.

"I did, I did. Look."

She pulled out her phone, showing Sylvia the information she had gathered.

Sylvia's mood lightened after reading it, "Just as I thought."

Naomi pressed her lips, "Sylvia, what do we do now? With Julian's affair barely behind us, and now this incident, given Tristan's temper, he will surely banish you."

not just banishment

they shared said

to Sylvia and Rupert that night. He had spent years grooming Rupert, and he wouldn't let this incident tarnish Rupert's life. He was just waiting for the right moment to remove Sylvia from the picture.

pawn in their game, easily

the sharp sting of her wounds as if they were being consumed

I shouldn't have pushed you into

hand, "Mom,

her insistence on blind dates was out of fear that the Garcia family would exploit

insists you put him up to it. Now Bridget wants to hold you responsible, and with Rupert backing her, what will you

was uncomfortable in the police

just give me

returned shortly, her expression

Sylvia asked, "Mom..."

tall, imposing

Rupert.

move; feeling helpless, she said, "The police won't grant the

police; it

Naomi a look, saying blandly, "Mom, you