Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 350

Hospital Room

When Sylvia woke up, Rupert was already gone. She took a moment to gather her strength, then got out of bed and poured herself a glass of water. Just as she took a sip, she noticed a shadow flickering outside the door.

"Who's there?" she called out.

The door creaked open a sliver, and Jayson's head peeked through.

"Quit messing around," his mom said, pulling Jayson out of the way as she

stepped into the room. "Miss, I really have to thank you for what you did. I brought

you something to eat-I hope you don't mind. It's nothing fancy."

"Are you kidding? Thank you so much! I'm starving," Sylvia replied, a little embarrassed but grateful.

Jayson's mom opened up a thermos and poured out a bowl of creamy oatmeal, then handed over a couple of homemade biscuits.

She carefully packed the rest of the food away, making sure not to waste a crumb.

Sylvia eyed the food, a little suspicious. "Mrs. Carter, did you...?"

"Jayson's dad is still in the ICU. We're just trying to make things stretch, you know?" Mrs. Carter's eyes turned red and watery.

Sylvia thought for a moment, then asked gently, "Jayson getting thrown in the river... it had something to do with his dad, didn't it?"

been punched in the stomach. Tears welled

of them! Messed everything up, and now they want us to sign those

are you talking

hesitated, biting her lip. "It's just... never mind. Saying it won't change anything. Miss, really, thank you. We should get

just as they reached the door, Jayson turned and pressed

said solemnly. "To protect

bigger than her palm, and smiled. "Thank you,

they left, Sylvia couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that

image of the two men tossing Jayson into the river flashed in her mind. She'd only caught a glimpse in the chaos, but

won?

familiar.

bolt upright in

was them—the men who had

somewhere else. That morning, in

to deal with the mining business. Those two

on her jacket and left

she found the ICU. Before she

raised voices echoing

slick-looking man in a suit was

hard way? Do you

with? Just sign the damn papers," the man

promised to help

want to give us five