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."

The great Mr. Rupert, resorting to chasing after someone? Maybe you should toughen up your skin

eye out. I'm

ending the call, Rupert took a couple of sips of his tea and made his way to the liquor cabinet, selecting the strongest

together, enjoying a bowl of fruit. Seeing her come in,

quickly asked,

over her

holding her hand. "Survive? Is it that serious?

you forgotten? I

stay

back." Sylvia turneet

the Garcia

I'm

to persuade her to

your

"I will."

left the Garcia Manor while the sky

at her apartment, she collapsed onto the

mind was

even

identity or

and

even her past experiences

being illusions, she

about her future

Rupert helping

close her eyes for a moment. Then

food delivery she ordered