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

again, 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 sneaking around hotels. And she was supposed to be Rupert's fiancée-what the

to read his mind. "People can fake anything

looked at Rupert, guilt

and I... it was always

business?" Chris

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

"Like what?"

the

strikes and you're out, Chris. Next time, I'm not cleaning

stared at the syringe, crushing his cigarette in his shaking hand. His face

him home tomorrow," Chris

...

next morning, Sylvia signed her

family. The Carters had finally gotten the compensation they deserved, and

was genuinely happy for them and left

Eloise was already waiting by

said, warmth in her voice.

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

thing in the morning,"

"Of course," Sylvia replied.

chat, Eloise

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

"Where's Bridget?"

Rupert wants her to

paused, her expression flickering, but then she smiled and

Sylvia spotted Tristan heading

out of the