Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 365

She fluttered the check between her fingers and tried to slip it into Sylvia's hand. Sylvia could only stare, caught somewhere between shock and disbelief.

Was this woman seriously trying to bribe her into letting her husband take a mistress?

Sylvia gave a bright, almost mocking smile as she waved the check in the air. "Wow, you really are the generous Mrs. Garcia. But you know what? I think we should ask Tristan first. Come on, let's go find him. I bet he and the rest of the family will be absolutely overwhelmed by how 'thoughtful' you are."

At the mention of Tristan, Bridget's smug expression faltered. She suddenly looked as if her high heels were glued to the floor.

"So you're scared too, huh?" Sylvia grinned, tossing the check back at Bridget's face. “Bridget, drop the whole 'I'm-so-magnanimous' act. If you've got so much time to try and humiliate me, maybe you should focus on holding onto your man. What's wrong? Even having his kid isn't enough to keep him? Maybe try popping out a couple more-aren't you supposed to be an expert by now?"

"You-you're talking nonsense!" Bridget's face drained of color.

"Then stop messing with me!"

Sylvia turned on her heel and strode away.

Bridget was seething, lips curled in frustration, but after a deep breath she managed to plaster on a sweet, innocent smile.

"Sylvia, I know you find this insulting, but... this was Mr. Rupert's idea. He even set the amount. Do you really think I'd come to you without his say-so?"

Sylvia stopped, tightening her grip on the paper bag she carried.

Bridget was a master manipulator-she could play any part to perfection. Sylvia knew there was always an angle with her.

Still, she wasn't wrong about one thing.

Rupert's blessing, Bridget wouldn't dare to say any of this in the Garcia

hand as if to comfort her. "Sylvia, don't be stupid. The check is for this much

That's what you're worth.

echoed in Sylvia's mind, numbing her. She barely registered Bridget's hand resting heavily on her

glint of

say more, a deep voice

you done

with a syrupy smile for the approaching man.

The

out of her stupor With a hollow

turned

him a backward

was Rupert who sent Bridget here to humiliate

...

In the car.

glanced down at his paperwork, speaking absently: "When did

flush crept over Bridget's

"It was

night we got

came over to check on you, and then...

flipped another page, his expression

fizzled out as quickly

smile was as soft as

Rupert,