Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Rupert was sitting on the couch, flipping through some paperwork when he glanced up at her.

"Awake? Looks like that fits you pretty well."

"Yeah," she replied, nodding, but there was something off about the way he said it

that made her pause.

Just then, Orson came out of the kitchen.

"Mr. Rupert, Ms. Lloyd, breakfast is ready."

Rupert closed his folder and stood up, then gently ushered Sylvia over to the dining table.

"I'll have the driver take you to the studio later," he told her as she sat down.

Sylvia checked her watch but didn't argue. "Alright."

As breakfast was winding down, she snuck a glance at him and asked carefully, "Uncle Rupert, you took your meds yesterday-how are you feeling today?"

Rupert's expression darkened just a touch. "I'm fine."

Sylvia persisted, "Make sure you take your pills after breakfast—just to be safe."

He just nodded, setting down his fork and fixing his gaze on her.

Sylvia squirmed under his stare, feeling awkward. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Wiping his hands, Rupert said quietly, "Just surprised you still care, that's all." Sylvia was about to retort, but a security guard knocked and walked in.

"Mr. Rupert, we found Ms. Simpson. She's safe, and right now—" "Ahem!" Orson cleared his throat loudly, shooting a glare at the guard.

create a cozy moment-who invited this guy to ruin

if to say, "Didn't you want

nearly rolled

suddenly slammed her fork and knife down, her face going pale as she stared at

you? She gets to just run off with her boyfriend, no consequences? While I'm the one who

Rupert said nothing.

couldn't believe it-even now, he was still protecting

stand to stay another second. She stood up abruptly, accidentally knocking

she realized the box

hadn't taken his

hit her like a punch to the

breath. "You lied to

to explain,

to hear it. She turned

helplessly at Rupert.

waved him off and glared coldly at

"What now?"

booked a flight for Christmas Day,"

frowned. "So Bridget's just given up and skipped town?" Rupert lit a cigarette, tossing

into the studio

sat down when a coworker appeared with fresh coffee, suddenly all smiles and

no idea Bridget was like that. She totally

fine," Sylvia said, accepting the coffee with

grudge—they still had

going back

as Sylvia stared at her computer, the thought of Rupert

her chest