Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 221

He raised a hand to take a drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his lips like a mask, concealing his expression.

In the quiet standoff, Sylvia felt her heart skip a beat. She curled her fingers, forcing herself to stay calm.

Rupert lowered his gaze and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. "Let her go."

Sylvia withdrew her gaze, focusing on the water droplets trickling down the leaves of a houseplant. Her voice was cold. "Rupert, thanks for your help, but I won't need it anymore."

Rupert paused, his fingers hovering over the ashtray, eyes fixed on the figure disappearing down the street.

It wasn't until the phone buzzed behind him on the couch that his thoughts were interrupted.

Bailey.

"Still alive?"

"Not dead yet," Rupert replied, his tone icy.

"You really are something else. You were right; someone's finally made a move. Your little niece must be worried sick by now."

Bailey's voice was teasing, as she fiddled with her manicured nails.

Rupert pinched the bridge of his nose. "She's just distanced herself from me."

Bailey laughed heartily. "Maybe you should just give in to me instead. I'd take good care of you."

"No thanks."

"Ha!" Bailey chuckled. "You'd love that, but she ran off! Serves you right for being so stubborn!"

"She won't get far."

Rupert, resorting to chasing after

eye out.

of his tea and made his way to the

place, where the couple had been lounging together, enjoying a bowl of fruit. Seeing her come in, they

quickly asked, "Is

her bag over her shoulder. "He'll

leaned in, holding her hand. "Survive? Is it that serious?

you forgotten?

stay

back." Sylvia turneet

the Garcia

I'm

persuade her to stay,

way. Let your mom know when you've

"I will."

Manor while the sky was

her apartment, she collapsed onto the couch, staring blankly

mind was

that she might not even be able to trust

any identity or

and

even her past experiences

illusions,

about her

Rupert helping her

just wanting to close her

food delivery she ordered on