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.

blessing, Bridget wouldn't dare to say

Sylvia's hesitation, Bridget took a step closer-too close-raising her hand as if to comfort her. "Sylvia, don't be stupid. The check is for this much because that's what you're worth. You think some other woman

That's what you're worth.

Sylvia's mind, numbing her. She barely

eyes narrowed, a glint of malice

either could say more, a

you

immediately, spinning around with a syrupy smile for the approaching man. "Mr. Rupert,

The

her stupor

she turned and

sparing him a backward

was Rupert who sent Bridget here to

...

In the car.

speaking absently: "When did you find out

flush crept over Bridget's

"It was

we got

check on you, and then...

another page, his

froze. Her excitement fizzled out as quickly

this game. Her smile was as soft

Rupert, aren't you