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."

applaud you for that one. The great Mr. Rupert, resorting to chasing

an eye out.

and made his way to the liquor cabinet, selecting

couple had been lounging together, enjoying a bowl of fruit. Seeing her come

asked, "Is Rupert

her bag over

holding her hand. "Survive? Is it that serious? Aren't

you forgotten? I

stay

back." Sylvia turneet

at the Garcia

I'm

to persuade her to stay, but

careful on your way. Let your mom know when you've made it

"I will."

while the sky

onto

mind was a

her that she might not even be able to trust the memories of

any identity or

and

even her past experiences

being illusions,

her future

Rupert helping her in

temples, just wanting to close her

the food delivery she ordered on