Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"What?"

"I heard Grandpa's been getting tougher on you. Are you still willing to leave with me?" Warren's eyes were earnest, searching Sylvia's face.

Sylvia set down her coffee cup and glanced at him he clearly wasn't going to get much out of her. She decided to stay polite. "I'm finished. Let's go."

She stood up to leave, but Warren suddenly grabbed her wrist.

She winced, staring at him-there was something strange and stormy in his eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

Warren stood as well, sighing. He glanced at her collar, then gave a crooked smile. "Just so you know, your shirt's inside out."

"Oh." Sylvia glanced down at her collar as he fixed it for her, then turned sharply and headed for the door.

...

Across town.

Bailey propped her chin on her hand, staring at a plate of roast chicken and mashed potatoes. She barely had an appetite, thanks to the sour-faced man sitting across from her.

"Mr. Rupert, aren't you going to check on them? Your niece is pretty gutsy, still hanging around Warren."

"I heard he sold off the family's secret recipe. And now he's been offloading shares of the family company under the table. Looks like he's digging a hole for you before he skips town."

poured himself some tea, utterly unbothered. "Let's see who he

then grinned in understanding. "Guess it's a game of cat and mouse, huh? Still, I've met a lot of men, but the first time I met Warren, he gave me the

actually liked Sylvia, so she couldn't help but say

cup, expression unreadable, and stood. "I'm heading out for a bit. Help yourself

left, Bailey waved her assistant over. "What was the name of that actor last time? Have him come over

you waiting for Mr. Rupert?" the assistant asked

am. Don't trust a word

...

slowed her

searching for a way to say

back! And

eyes lit up; she must have mistaken Warren for

clarify, "Oh, Mrs.

warmly and extended his hand. "I'm Sylvia's big brother. Nice

and reached to shake his hand, but Sylvia

Ward, I actually have something for

at

practically dragged Mrs.

Sylvia changed the subject in a flash. "You're home early today, Mrs. Ward!

Ward's cheeks turned pink. "No, someone gave me a ride

boyfriend?" Sylvia asked,