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.

Sylvia to share her inspiration for the designs, which brought Sylvia a

the month had passed. As Christmas approached, the studio was busy

phone

at her phone, but finally

Reese

you back last time-please

didn't have to! Honestly, I thought you'd given it to Mr.

"We haven't really been in

wasn't sure if Reese was fishing for information, so she decided

typing bubble kept

Reese

do you think Mr. Rupert likes me? I seriously don't know

at the

trembled and she accidentally tapped on Reese's

Sylvia saw Rupert's familiar

Reese's photos, Rupert wasn't the cold, distant man she remembered-he

private supper club that had a six-month waitlist, laughing over

hour light in

in a climate-controlled glass conservatory, attentive

a trip to a secluded ski resort, mountain

scrolling through her posts from the past six months, Sylvia realized this was just Reese's everyday

the pictures, Reese

frame a jarring contrast to the self-doubt

own phone screen.

her way-it was

Reese "poked" her.