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.

me to bargain for power? Warren, what kind

you, so who are you

kindness vanished, replaced by a

hard, knocking her to

at him, terrified.

took a deep breath, then plastered on his usual

was an accident. Here,

"Don't touch me!"

away, putting

cold; he dropped the act. "Fine. Cool

grabbed Fiona's phone and helped her out, closing the

of the lock echoed, and Sylvia collapsed to the floor, completely

idea how much

was back,

swnlight

her protests, Warren dragged

white. Sylvia just stood there, numb, as Warren led her

car stopped outside a big red house, its yard

and gave her a soft, almost sincere smile. "Merry

they got closer to the house, a deep, bone-chilling fear settled over Sylvia. She felt like

Hospital.

face was clouded with worry when the hospital room door