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.

affronted, touched her cheek. "Excuse me? I know

sounding bored. "You're blocking my

"No wonder you're still

grabbed her purse and stormed off, not

She was

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

packing up her sketches. Just as she was about to go, the man at table 26 raised

join

a wry smile. "Sorry, I

raised an eyebrow. "How

her stomach growled loudly. There was no hiding it, and

She sighed. "Fine. Thanks."

went for pancakes and fresh

breakfast with eggs and bacon. He set down his coffee

"Lester Sanford."

all the people. Lately, it seemed like

had

smiled faintly.

her for a long moment, his

you're a jewelry

"Yep."

unusual request?" Lester

her orange juice. She took a breath,

glass of milk, voice gentle. "Take your

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