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.

you cared about me. But you used me to bargain for power? Warren, what kind of man

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

replaced by a twisted, furious look that revealed every ugly thing

Sylvia hard, knocking her to

stared up at him, terrified. He looked like

then plastered on his

I'm sorry. That was an accident. Here,

"Don't touch me!"

away, putting several feet between

eyes went cold; he dropped the act. "Fine. Cool off, then. We're almost there

and helped her

of the lock echoed, and Sylvia collapsed

no idea how much

again. Warren was back, and a attendant handed her a thick

swnlight

protests, Warren dragged her out of the

Sylvia just stood there, numb, as Warren led her to

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

and gave her a soft, almost sincere smile.

house, a deep, bone-chilling fear settled over Sylvia. She felt

Hospital.

clouded with worry when