Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 438

Rupert nodded absentmindedly, then slipped away.

Through the car window, Reese watched his figure grow smaller and smaller, an unexpected hollowness settling in her chest.

Suddenly, she clutched her chest and started to cough.

Orson immediately handed her a bottle of water. "Ms. Sanford, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Just caught a bit of a chill," she said, nervously fidgeting with the bottle in

her hand. "Orson, did I say something wrong just now?"

Orson's tone was steady. "No, Ms. Sanford. Mr. Rupert's always been a workaholic."

"Yeah," she murmured.

After dropping Reese off, Orson made his way back to Rupert's apartment in Soho Bay.

He was sorting through the files sent over from the office when Rupert walked in.

Orson stared, eyes wide in disbelief. "Mr. Rupert, you—"

Rupert shot him a cold glance and shoved a bundle of clothes into his arms.

"Take these to the dry cleaners."

"Yes, sir."

Eloise's new collection launch was a hit; even international reporters showed up for interviews.

set aside ten minutes for Sylvia to share her inspiration for the designs, which brought Sylvia a lot of attention-her client list

knew it, most of the month had passed. As Christmas approached, the studio

late, her phone

hesitated, staring at her phone, but finally

sent Reese a $20 Venmo

you back last

you'd given it

responded, "We haven't really been in touch. He's probably just

if Reese was fishing for information, so she

typing bubble kept

long pause, Reese finally sent another

seriously don't know who else to

at the

and she accidentally tapped on

feed, Sylvia saw Rupert's familiar figure

Rupert wasn't the cold, distant man

they were at a private supper club that had a six-month waitlist, laughing

golden hour

sessions in a climate-controlled glass conservatory, attentive staff in the

a trip to a secluded ski

her posts from the

the pictures, Reese

frame a jarring

own phone screen.

standing in her way-it was

Reese "poked" her.