Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 303

At that moment, the client sitting across from Rupert raised his glass and burst out laughing.

"Mr. Rupert, you're too kind. I just stepped off the plane and you're already rolling out the red carpet for me!"

Rupert gave a polite nod, snuffing out his cigarette, and gestured toward the drinks. "It's the least I could do. Please, help yourself."

His eyes, though, were cool and detached.

Sylvia stiffened at the exchange, instantly understanding what these women were here for-drinks, maybe more. Her face went even paler. There was no way Rupert hadn't recognized her, and yet he was pretending not to see her. Worse, he was letting someone else choose first.

The client set down his whiskey, got up, and leisurely looked over the row of women lined up in front of him-finally letting his gaze rest on Sylvia.

Her breath caught. She bit down hard on her lip, hands clenching into fists, but she didn't dare let her panic show. If the client came any closer, she didn't care what big deal Rupert was negotiating-she'd lose it right there and then.

But the man didn't pick anyone right away. Instead, he joked, "Mr. Rupert, you've got excellent taste. I can barely decide-too many beautiful choices. Maybe you should go first. I'd hate to be a rude guest."

His words said one thing, but his eyes kept darting back to Rupert, trying to read every move. Businessmen always liked to keep their options open-especially in places like this.

Rupert gave a non-committal hum, lounging back against the leather couch. He traced lazy circles around the rim of his glass, looking casual but somehow dangerous at the same time.

group, then

up, following Rupert's finger. Her heart twisted, then plummeted

her. He'd picked the woman next to her—a girl in a high ponytail and a plaid skirt that made her look like she'd just walked

have time to wonder about Rupert's preferences. She just stared, dazed, until the ache in her chest reminded her she'd

seconds ago, she'd actually had a sliver of hope-maybe, since they knew each other, Rupert would pick her, or at least let her leave quietly.

he not pick her, he

have been surprised. He'd threatened her more than once, pushing her to apologize to Bridget. Why would he care about her

her felt suffocating. She could hear the scratchy sound of her own breath in her

signaling her

palms. She forced herself

Rupert, looks like we've got similar

gaze flicked over the

he'd picked walked over to the client. She barely managed a

and she stumbled right into

quickly straightened up, lowering her head. "Sorry, sir.

client stared at her for a moment, then slid an arm around her, playing up the dilemma. "Mr. Rupert, what do you

like her, let her