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.

woman, affronted, touched her cheek. "Excuse me? I know I look good, but

off, sounding bored. "You're blocking my

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

that, she grabbed her purse and stormed

She was

her voice—a clear, soothing sound that stood out in the morning bustle. He signaled the

watched her client leave, then began packing up her sketches. Just as she was

to join me

hesitated, giving him a wry smile. "Sorry, I don't

raised an eyebrow. "How about as an

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

She sighed. "Fine. Thanks."

for pancakes and fresh

bacon. He set down his coffee and offered his

"Lester Sanford."

paused. Sanford? Of all the people.

had that

smiled faintly.

a long moment,

Lloyd, you're a jewelry

"Yep."

a client to make a slightly unusual request?" Lester leaned forward, folding his hands

juice. She took a

of milk, voice

you're about to ask