Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 105

Sylvia spun around, her gaze crashing into Rupert's icy eyes.

"Don't even think about calling the cops."

His voice was a command, brooking no argument.

Under the harsh glare of the fluorescent lighting, his eyes -set in a face as striking as it was intimidating- locked onto hers with an intensity that was almost threatening.

Sylvia's fists clenched tightly, her shoulders shaking. Her face pale, tinged with a hint of blue, betrayed the effort it took to steady herself.

"Why?" she finally asked, her voice low and strained. "Is it just because they're part of the Simpson family? Do we deserve this? Why is it always me who ends up being sacrificed? Once, twice..."

Rupert remained silent, his gaze eerily calm.

Sylvia, on the brink of hysteria, lowered her gaze to their shoes. A pair of sneakers and a pair of handcrafted leather shoes, a clear sign their worlds should never have collided.

She let out a self-deprecating laugh, mocking her own futile attempts to challenge the inevitable.

"Fine. I won't call the cops. Just don't regret your decision today."

Snatching her phone back, she stormed into the hospital room, the door slamming shut behind her.

with a frown. "Mr. Garcia, shouldn't we explain to Ms. Lloyd

"No need."

He squinted slightly but didn't answer, turning to Orson instead.

peacefully, while Sylvia sat vigil,

was handed to her. Looking up, she was surprised to see

barely whispered, her

Warren quickly wrapped

excuse.

handed her

Sylvia took a sip

a moment before whispering, "Are Naomi and Edwin okay? Uncle Rupert and Grandpa said they just had a bit too much to

froze. Her hand jerked, spilling most of her cocoa onto the floor. She

coming over to the Garcias for dinner tomorrow. My mom was going

to act indifferent, but

indignity they suffered was seemingly worth less than a dinner with

up, falling silently one after

"Sylvia, what's wrong?"

into a tight embrace, his warmth enveloping her. The comfort was overwhelming, numbing her thoughts. Without realizing, she clung to

and your mom are fine, right? Don't cry. I'm here for you," Warren soothed her gently, his

room,

the