Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 322

Mental illness?

The moment Sylvia heard those two words, she decided to keep her eyes shut and pretend she was still asleep.

Was Chris actually spooked by her little act from before? Had she really freaked him out that much?

She knew herself better than anyone-she'd never seen a therapist in her life. If she'd ever gotten therapy, she would definitely remember.

So what else could Chris possibly have to say?

Across the quiet hospital room, Rupert sat brooding in the shadows, his expression as dark as a thundercloud.

"She hasn't-if she had, her mother would never have kept it from me or from Edwin. Not with her personality," he said, voice low.

Chris scratched his chin, brow furrowed in thought. "That's what's weird. After that thing with Julian Zook, she had a pretty strong psychological reaction. Then, when she went temporarily blind from the shock, it all just seemed... off. I talked it over with a friend of mine who's an expert. He was convinced someone with those symptoms must've had treatment before. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to handle stress like that—even subconsciously."

"What are you getting at?" Rupert's stony face finally cracked.

"I'm saying... maybe Julian wasn't the real trigger. Maybe he just accidentally hit a nerve that was already there. That's why she reacted so intensely."

way," Rupert shot back

illness. The only time she'd ever had a breakdown was after Stella's death-and that didn't involve any therapy, just a whole lot of

looked thoughtful, unconvinced. "My friend's a pro-he wouldn't mess this up. Either way, just...

Rupert simply nodded.

said, and his footsteps faded down

feel Rupert's gaze settle right on her. It was heavy and unreadable, making her heart pound uncomfortably. But she'd faked sleep before; she was pretty sure he wouldn't catch

started to relax, she felt the warmth of his hand on her cheek, his fingers sliding gently into her hair. Soft strands brushed against her face, making her want to squirm. No matter how still

finally sneezed, blowing her

Rupert offered, like he was giving her a

sitting up but keeping her eyes down, fiddling with the crisp white

an awkward silence, like they were both pretending the other

anything you want to ask me?" Rupert dragged

her

plan had crashed and burned. What was

Even a little?" Rupert's voice was low,

him. Rupert's tone chilled immediately. "You went to see Chris just now, didn't you?" She nodded, this time not even

you have plenty to say to him? You