Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 99

Her lips barely parted to speak when he clamped a hand over her mouth, his face inching closer. Under the moonlight, his features sharpened - eyes like deep pools, alive with danger and aggression. Sylvia struggled against his grip, but he was immovable. Glaring at him, she bit down hard on his fingers.

Rupert merely frowned, not loosening his hold.

Footsteps approached from the hallway.

"Who's there?"

"Could it be the black sheep of the family, come stealing again? She had the nerve to ask for food in the middle of the night, as if she deserves it."

Stealing?

That had been Sylvia's perceived role in the Garcia family for too long. She was undeserving of anything they had; taking something-anything- made her a thief in their eyes.

utterly humiliated. Realizing the servants were nearing, Sylvia quickly gestured for Rupert to let her

the kitchen island. His overwhelming presence sent a ripple of panic

"It's me. The light's out; send someone to fix it. No

immediately turned respectful,

in sharp clarity, every breath he took seemed to caress Sylvia's skin. He didn't hurry to release her, his gaze finally resting on her bruised wrist. "Does

Mmm! No, it doesn't! Let

protests, Rupert's deep eyes flickered with something unreadable before he slowly removed his

rows of

met his palm. He shook his hand, casually remarking, "How many

chest rising with indignation. She huffed, refusing to respond, her silence promising retaliation louder than words. Rupert wiped

Rupert's watchful eye in her condition would be impossible, so she conserved her energy.

tightness of his chest and waistline became pronounced

resistance. But in the next

eggs scattered across the floor. Then, he took out fresh ingredients from the fridge. With his back to Sylvia, he casually asked, "How about