Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 361

When Chris finally saw the helmet clearly, he froze on the spot.

It was unmistakable. He'd had this exact helmet custom-made for Caleb Lennon. His own handwriting still adorned the side: "Ride Safe."

But Caleb was supposed to be recovering from an injury. What was his helmet doing here?

Confused, Chris stepped closer-then was stopped short by unmistakable sounds coming from inside the room.

He started to turn away, embarrassment prickling his skin-only to catch a glimpse of the woman's face on the bed.

Bridget.

Rage burned through him. Chris clenched the hotel keycard in his fist, ready to storm in. But instead, he forced himself to back out of the room quietly, shutting the door without a sound.

Rupert had given him this keycard for a reason to avoid causing a scene.

...

Hospital Room.

Rupert barely glanced up when Chris walked in, as if he'd been expecting him. He pulled out a pack of Marlboros, offered one to Chris.

Chris stared at him, bitterness in his eyes, then took the cigarette. Even his hands shook as he tried-and failed-to flick the lighter.

Rupert wordlessly leaned over and lit it for him.

Chris didn't smoke much; the first drag made him cough hard. He swallowed the ache and muttered, "How long have you known?"

Rupert exhaled, voice flat: "Since their first hotel hookup."

Chris's eyes widened. "That was-?"

time they ever

this time

with women since high school. But Bridget? She was a well-bred girl, the type you'd expect to see at Sunday brunch with her parents, not

"People can fake anything if

Rupert, guilt twisting inside him.

it. Bridget and I... it was always just business.

of business?"

ash into a paper cup. "That's a story

"Like what?"

the table between them. It

Chris. Next time, I'm

cigarette in

him home tomorrow," Chris

...

morning, Sylvia signed her discharge

check on Mrs. Carter and her family. The Carters had finally gotten the compensation they deserved, and Mr. Carter-thanks to quick medical care-was awake and

left a little extra cash for

the hotel, Eloise was

alright," Eloise said, warmth in her

tonight. Mr. Lennon's really impressed with you and asked for you specifically Don't miss it-these chances don't come often. We leave

in the

"Of course," Sylvia replied.

chat, Eloise

evening, Sylvia showed up ten minutes early at the hotel's ground-floor restaurant, only to

"Where's Bridget?"

coming. Mr. Rupert wants her to

expression flickering, but then she smiled and

crossed the lobby, Sylvia spotted Tristan heading into the

out of the