Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 151

Talking to someone too smart could be quite a drag, Bailey mused, just as she was about to delve into some contract details. Suddenly, a frantic cry shattered the calm. "Fire! Fire! Help!"

Rupert's

gaze swept the gazebo before he bolted out without hesitation.

Bailey snuffed out her cigarette, clicking her tongue in amusement. Her manor hadn't seen this much excitement in years.

***

The manor, nestled against the woods and adorned in autumn's embrace, was always vigilant about fire, given the dry leaves that often blew in from the forest.

Thankfully, the manor staff managed to extinguish the flames quickly. But the quaint little flower garden wasn't so lucky - its once vibrant blossoms now lay charred and unrecognizable. Sylvia, drawn by the commotion, rushed out from the bathroom, just in time to see Rupert hurrying toward her from not far away.

As he neared the bathroom, a figure darted into his arms.

"Rupert, I'm alright. It's just... the fire was so sudden. It really scared me."

"Uh-huh," Rupert murmured, his posture visibly relaxing.

Sylvia stopped a few steps away, her eyes meeting Rupert's. There was an unspoken depth in his gaze, something she couldn't quite decipher.

her eyes, focusing instead on

Bailey's voice as she interrogated a

I reminded you all about the importance

checking every hour. It wasn't our fault this time. It was..." the servants

it!

bore into

reluctantly

they'd found near the flower beds. "We found this by the

Someone must have started the fire on

high-end lighter, its edges adorned with tiny

That left only...

turned to Sylvia and

mine. I don't smoke, and

nodded. "I did see you there. But what about the

settled on Sylvia

had it custom-made for Rupert, but it's always been in my purse. I don't know how it ended up

just wandering

some design

swear..." Bridget's voice broke as she

Bailey. "Let's get to the bottom