Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 343

"Sylvia, there's this weekend farmers' market just around the corner from the hotel. You've got to try the local pasta," Eloise suggested cheerfully over breakfast.

At that, Sylvia completely lost her appetite.

So Rupert snuck out in the middle of the night just to hunt down treats for Bridget?

He'd insisted on staying in her room-what, was he worried she'd pass her cold to delicate little Bridget instead?

Honestly, Sylvia found it almost funny. That was exactly the kind of thing Rupert would've done for Bridget in her last life, too.

She set down her half-eaten toast, took a long swig of milk, and forced a smile. "Ms. Eloise, I'm full. I'll head up and get ready."

"Alright. I'll be in my room too-the stylist's coming soon," Eloise replied, already gathering her things. She was just as eager to avoid Bridget's endless small talk.

Both women got up to leave. Bridget lingered, nursing her coffee, a sly little smile on her lips.

As Sylvia walked toward the restaurant entrance, Rupert walked in with two middle-aged men in tow.

Their eyes met for half a second-Sylvia turned on her heel and strode away without a word, not even a glance back.

Right behind her, Bridget's syrupy voice floated through the air, "Rupert, you're here! I'm not that hungry, but I'd love to keep you company for breakfast."

around Bridget as the group disappeared down

...

surprise-the heating had been fixed, and the

at her neatly made bed, the memory of last night feeling strangely distant, almost

she reminded herself, it was real.

pulled out her

arrested-and his mugshot was already splashed across the morning news. He'd been dropped by the brand,

for the others, Sylvia hadn't really gotten to know them yet. She'd see what they were made of

for a while, then checked the time. It was almost

the garment bag, Sylvia couldn't help but gasp. This was just something Eloise

shimmered like starlight. The straps were a delicate string of beads connecting

flowing seamlessly into the

sparkling skirt.

made the crystal fringe sway and catch the light in a thousand different

loosely swept her hair into a low bun with a few soft curls framing her face, and decided that

Eloise texted

her purse,

the moment she stepped into the hotel lobby, it was as if someone had