Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 176

Sylvia jolted, startled by the strange Rupert. Her breath hitched as she tried to push him away.

But he caught her wrist, his fingers brushing over a patch of discolored skin- a faded burn she'd gotten some time ago. "Are you recovered?" he asked, his deep voice carrying a hint of laziness.

Sylvia turned her face away, refusing to speak.

Rupert gently tilted her chin back toward him, his fingers lightly pinching her cheek.

"Can we talk like civilized people?"

"You forget- I'm as stubborn as a mule," Sylvia retorted, annoyance in her tone. Rupert leaned against the table, his head drooping as he suppressed a chuckle.

"I try to have a serious conversation, and all you remember is the nonsense."

His tone was lighter now, tinged with rare ease.

Sylvia didn't know what to say. Moments ago, they were at each other's throats.

She looked down, unwilling to engage further.

He leaned

didn't flinch, meeting his gaze with a hint of defiance. "Keep this up, and I won't hesitate to tell the press about your escapades with

Bridget never got such treatment.

eyes, understanding her

icy. "What do you

"Just leave Warren alone."

him?

back, a dangerous glint

the edge of the

ket

that moment, she felt her past self was not just pathetic but merely a

through her as her fingernails cracked, but she was numb

silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Didn't you want to know who

worry. I won't ask, and I don't care who she is. Just don't

"What..."

ask what he meant, the

Why haven't you

like we'll have to help you move. Well then...

by three

the guards, catching sight of a tattoo peeking out from beneath one man's collar-