Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 367

Eloise gripped her phone tight and absentmindedly rubbed her stomach. "You know, I've been pregnant before, too," she said quietly.

Sylvia felt a sharp, stabbing ache in her chest. No wonder Eloise was falling apart.

"Hey, Sylvia, I'm not even drunk yet. Come on, have a couple drinks with me."

"Sure," Sylvia agreed. She knew Eloise needed to let off some steam-honestly, so did she.

A sleek black car cruised down the wide avenue. The window was rolled down a crack, letting wisps of cigarette smoke curl around the driver's shadowed face.

Orson, at the wheel, suddenly pulled to the curb. He nodded toward the sidewalk. "Mr. Rupert, that's Ms. Lloyd. Who's the guy with her?"

Rupert looked up just in time to see another man carrying her purse and laughing as he followed her into an underground bar.

His cigarette snapped in two between his fingers. The burning tip fell onto the back of his hand, but he didn't even flinch.

"Pull over," Rupert said coldly.

"Yes, sir."

Inside the bar, Sylvia was already feeling a little lightheaded after two shots of bourbon.

She grabbed Eloise's hand across the table. "Eloise, I figured it out. He never loved you. That's it! It's not your fault!"

Eloise, usually all business and steel, burst out laughing. "You're damn right! Screw him! Cheers!"

They clinked glasses, but after the next round, Eloise slumped over, completely out.

her aching forehead and let her cheek fall to the sticky

table noticed and swaggered

he could touch her, a hand twisted his arm behind

to curse someone out-until he saw Rupert's ice-cold stare. His bravado

"Mr. Rupert-sir, I—"

"Get lost," Rupert growled.

guy bolted, clutching his

table, glaring at the drunk, slumped Sylvia, his jaw clenched

take Ms.

"Yes, sir."

word, Rupert scooped Sylvia up into his arms and carried

passed the counter, he shot a frosty look at the bartender, who froze, dropping two glasses in terror and watching in stunned silence as Rupert disappeared

drive home, Sylvia suddenly sat bolt upright and started banging

car! I'm gonna

pulled over, and

barely making it to

before she

over

until a bottle of

appeared under her nose.

here trying to drown your sorrows at midnight like everyone else?" Rupert's dry, mocking voice cut through the chill as he pressed a napkin toward her

stepping back. The cold wind stung her eyes as she looked

and impossibly far away-an outline blurred by the

deeply. "Why didn't you come that

night? The last night