Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 440

The table was quiet for a long moment.

Sylvia stared at the man across from her, trying to figure out if he was joking.

But before she could say anything, the restaurant manager rushed over, looking flustered.

"I'm so sorry, our server mixed up the table numbers. This is table 26."

Sylvia immediately glanced over her shoulder at the man waiting at table 27 behind her.

Biting her lip in embarrassment, she turned back to the man in front of her. "Sorry, sir, total mix-up. Hope you have... a good date."

One look at his tailored suit and expensive watch told her he was way out of her league and definitely not someone she wanted to mess with.

She got up quickly and moved to the correct table, apologizing to her client as she sat down.

Just as she settled in, a woman dressed head-to-toe in the latest designer fashion slid into the seat Sylvia had just vacated.

The woman didn't waste a second. "You look alright, but honestly, I've got more than a few millionaires chasing me. Unless you're offering at least a million bucks, don't even bother."

Sylvia couldn't help herself; she pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. Judging by that man's watch alone, he could buy and sell this woman five times over. Clearly, she didn't know what she was looking at.

As Sylvia tried to stifle her amusement, she noticed the man's gaze briefly flicker her way. She quickly straightened up and focused on pitching her new design to her client.

Meanwhile, at table 26...

The man listened to the woman rattle off her "marriage requirements," his expression icy. Then, without a word, he waved his hand in front of her face as if shooing away a fly.

I know I look

her off, sounding bored.

huffed. "No wonder you're still single. What a waste

she grabbed her purse and stormed off, not looking

attention to the drama at the next table. She was explaining the details of her latest jewelry collection, her nerves settling as she got into the

to her voice—a clear, soothing sound that stood out in the morning

while later, Sylvia and her client finalized the last design. She watched her client leave, then began packing up her sketches. Just as she

join me for

wry smile. "Sorry, I don't eat with people I

"How about

stomach growled loudly. There was no hiding it, and refusing now would

She sighed. "Fine. Thanks."

breakfast-Sylvia went for

and bacon. He set down his

"Lester Sanford."

Of all the people.

trouble had that last

smiled faintly. "Sylvia

for a long moment, his

Lloyd, you're a jewelry

"Yep."

request?" Lester leaned forward, folding

She took a breath,

a glass of milk, voice gentle.

took a few sips before replying. "If you're about to ask me on a