Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 301

The crowd's whistles and shouts came in waves across the packed bar.

On stage, a woman moved with the music, step by step, heading straight for a man in the audience.

Suddenly, with a dramatic flourish, she whipped off her mask and tumbled right into his arms.

There were so many people pressed up against the stage, Sylvia couldn't see either of their faces clearly. But as the man caught the woman, the stage lights caught his wrist-and the glint of his designer watch.

CL.

The initials, spelled out in tiny diamonds, sparkled so brightly that Sylvia recognized them instantly.

Chris Lennon!

Which meant the woman had to be Fanny.

Sylvia never would've guessed that the famous Ms. Lance would go so far as to get up on stage and dance just to impress a guy.

Pocketing her phone, she grabbed her glass of whiskey and slipped through the throng toward Chris and his friends' VIP booth.

Chris really was the boss. His table had the best view in the whole place—not only could you see the stage perfectly, but you could also watch all the action on the dance floor: guys in skinny jeans, girls in cocktail dresses, and everyone in between.

Sylvia glanced over at them.

to show off most

his lap, tapping his chest lightly with her

and you didn't even bother to

on hers. "Didn't I just come find

back, finishing the rest with a bite of the rim. The cocky move

then, a soft voice chimed in from beside

he's busy, nobody can get ahold of him. You're the only one who can drag him out

Bridget, of

Fanny, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. And while Fanny poured herself another drink, Bridget

was half-annoyed, mostly

second later, Fanny snuggled closer to Chris, whispering near his lips, "Is

didn't pull away either. Their faces were so close,

think?" he

a kiss—just as Chris picked up a fresh

snack tray and held it to

the kitchen to prep some just for

Fanny grinned and took a bite

back again and again to Chris her innocent gaze glossy

about being just friends, even describing him as a "no-strings" kind of guy. So why was she now looking so

had her

glass and stood up