Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 175

Sylvia felt a wave of heat wash over her face and quickly turned, attempting to clear the air.

"Mrs. Ellis, it's not..."

Rupert, with a quick stride, turned and headed upstairs, leaving her words hanging in the void of the stairwell.

Sylvia cast a dubious glance at Rupert, wondering if she'd imagined the faint amusement in his eyes.

But when she looked again, his gaze was as icy as ever.

Definitely her imagination!

Once they reached the first floor, Sylvia squirmed. "You can put me down now. I can walk in my shoes. My apartment's pretty high up." Rupert remained silent, continuing his ascent.

Sylvia thought for a moment before pointing upwards. "I'm on the sixth floor. You won't make it."

"Third floor."

"How did you know?" Sylvia asked, surprised.

"What do you think?" Rupert paused, his gaze deepening as he looked at her.

been snooping

she was always fretting about in

...

later, Rupert stopped at the door to

swapping her shoes

boxes of books. Books on art were expensive, and even though hers were well-worn, she couldn't bear to part with

a suitcase. "This one's easy to carry. I

ignored her, simply glancing at

and the driver quickly entered, each taking half of the

recognized the label, and reached for it, intending to carry it downstairs as well. Sylvia quickly intervened.

along with the driver, took the rest of the items and left, thoughtfully closing the door

and Sylvia instinctively stepped in front

"Warren only helped me out of sibling affection. Please, let

simple dress to cause trouble

colder. His fingers traced the embossed

step, his mocking smile

on the

looked up, finding him looming close, his gaze

gift, or because of

felt emptier and colder in that moment, with Rupert's deep, inscrutable eyes seeming to swallow all light, his presence

Sylvia, his breath felt icy, causing