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

wondering what she was always

...

later, Rupert stopped at the door to Sylvia's

the door and entered, immediately swapping her shoes for a pair of non-slip

all seasons, shoes, and five boxes of books. Books on art

"This one's easy to carry.

ignored her, simply glancing

taking half

on the table, recognized the label, and reached for it, intending to carry it downstairs as well. Sylvia quickly intervened. "No need for that, I'll

the driver, took the rest of the items

dress box, and Sylvia instinctively stepped in front

out of sibling affection. Please,

didn't want a simple dress to cause

Rupert's expression colder. His fingers traced the embossed

advanced step by step,

trembling sound of his fingers on the box strangely set Sylvia's

fists and looked up, finding him looming close, his

of the gift, or because of him, that you're so

emptier and colder in that moment, with Rupert's deep, inscrutable

he moved closer to Sylvia, his breath felt icy, causing an involuntary