Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 146

Sylvia's foot jerked slightly as it grazed something under the table. Balancing her coffee cup, she glanced down and found a pair of polished men's dress shoes nudging against her heels. She wore a size 7, perfectly average, but next to those shoes, hers seemed almost childlike.

Following the line of those shoes upward, her gaze traced along impeccably tailored suit pants, the crease as sharp as the austerity they suggested.

Sylvia didn't linger on the view, assuming it was an accidental touch. She shifted her foot slightly, trying to avoid further contact.

But then, the driver braked suddenly. Her body jolted with the motion, and her foot inadvertently brushing against Rupert's leg a few times, leaving an awkward scuff mark on his trousers. Sylvia froze, feeling the weight of his gaze on her, deep and foreboding. She quickly retracted her foot, but it was too late. Rupert's legs had somehow entrapped hers.

Sylvia bit her lip, trying to pull away without drawing the attention of the others.

Bridget, from across them, leaned towards Rupert with a dramatic flair. "Rupert, are you alright?"

Rupert spared Sylvia a glance, replying coolly, "I'm fine."

I'm feeling so dizzy," Bridget said, leaning heavily against Rupert, almost draping herself over his arm in a display of exaggerated affection. Sylvia shifted uncomfortably, attempting to free her foot once more,

enjoying this

his hand from Bridget's clasp and poured her a cup

you're feeling dizzy, try some of this coffee," he

surprise evident. "My favorite. I didn't know you

her favorite, though a luxury she seldom indulged in due to its price. Edwin used to save some for her,

hard to discern. Sylvia felt Rupert's legs relax around hers, but

QUMS

looked up, Rupert's handsome face

parted his

fingertip, and the sound of music filled the

than