Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

She shot Rupert a string of numbers, then swiped left and deleted the chat.

Fiona's eyes looked like they were about to roll back in her head before Sylvia finally released her grip.

Honestly, Sylvia wanted to strangle Fiona right then and there.

But this was a new life, a fresh start. She'd promised Stella she'd be different this time.

There was no way she'd let someone like Fiona ruin the rest of her life.

As soon as Fiona broke free, she started shrieking like a banshee, "Help! Somebody help me!"

Before the words even faded, the door burst open. Warren, his arm freshly bandaged, stormed in with a couple of bodyguards in tow.

He yanked Sylvia away. "Sylvia, calm down! If it weren't for Rupert, my mother and I wouldn't be in this mess. He forced us into this!"

Sylvia went instantly quiet, her face draining of what little color it had left. She glared at Warren, her eyes burning red at the corners.

"You knew? You were in on this?"

Warren's mouth dropped open he clearly hadn't meant to let that slip.

Fiona, still rubbing her neck, spat out, "Of course he knew! He's the one who handed you over to Rupert in the first place!"

Breath hitching, Sylvia stared at Warren and struggled in his arms.

But you used me to bargain for power? Warren,

up! I never looked down on you, so who are you to judge me? Sylvia, I'm all you've

Warren. The fake kindness vanished, replaced by

Sylvia hard, knocking her

him, terrified. He looked like a

deep breath, then plastered

sorry. That was an accident. Here, let me

"Don't touch me!"

scrambled away, putting

he dropped the act. "Fine. Cool off, then. We're

phone and helped her out, closing

and Sylvia collapsed

had no idea

the door opened again. Warren was back, and

swnlight

Warren dragged

air, blanketing everything in white. Sylvia just stood there, numb, as Warren led

stopped outside a big red house, its yard strung with Christmas

squeezed Sylvia's hand and gave her a soft, almost sincere smile. "Merry

to the house, a deep, bone-chilling fear settled over Sylvia. She felt like a monster was waiting for

Hospital.

face was clouded with worry when the hospital room door