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.

cozy moment-who

as if to say, "Didn't you want updates?

nearly rolled

fork and knife down, her face going pale as she

go on purpose! So this is what she gets for lying to you? She gets to just run off with her boyfriend, no consequences? While I'm

Rupert said nothing.

now, he was still protecting

couldn't stand to stay another second. She stood up abruptly, accidentally knocking

she looked down, she realized the box

his

a punch

breath. "You lied

hurried to explain, "Ms.

Sylvia didn't want to hear it. She turned on her heel

helplessly at Rupert. "Sorry, Mr.

coldly at

"What now?"

booked a flight for Christmas Day," the guard

given up and skipped town?" Rupert lit a cigarette, tossing the lighter

wandered into the studio in a

appeared with fresh

about everything before-we're really sorry. We had no idea Bridget was like that.

said, accepting the coffee with

holding a grudge—they still had to work

coworkers visibly relaxed, going back

stared at her computer, the

her