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.

cared about me. But you used me to bargain for power? Warren,

so who are you to judge me?

switch must've flipped in Warren. The fake kindness vanished, replaced by

shoved Sylvia hard, knocking her

terrified. He looked

deep breath, then plastered

was an accident. Here, let me help

"Don't touch me!"

scrambled away, putting several feet

the act.

phone and helped her out, closing the door

and Sylvia collapsed to the floor, completely

idea how

was back, and

swnlight

her protests, Warren dragged her

in the air, blanketing everything in white. Sylvia just

outside a big red house, its yard

a soft, almost sincere smile.

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

Hospital.

worry when the hospital