Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 442

Lester hopped out of the car first, then turned and offered his hand to Sylvia.

She shifted on the seat, gripping the door. “I can manage on my own,” she said.

But Lester didn't move his hand away. "Aren't you forgetting something? Tonight, you're my date."

Sylvia hesitated, but didn't argue further-she'd already signed that million-dollar contract.

When Eloise found out, she'd even doubled Sylvia's bonus. No way she could slack off now.

With a resigned smile, Sylvia placed her hand in Lester's and stepped out. Her brand-new heels wobbled unexpectedly, and she lurched forward, right into Lester's arms.

He caught her around the waist without missing a beat. "I'll have Zion run out and buy you some flats. You're tall enough, no need to torture yourself."

"Thank you," Sylvia said, grateful.

Just then, a familiar voice called out across the parking lot.

"Hey! Lester? Sylvia!"

Sylvia froze, her head snapping up.

Reese was walking over with Rupert, arm in arm, both looking surprised. When Rupert stopped in front of Sylvia, his gaze was as cold as a January wind after a blizzard-like a warning.

was there to warn her about? They'd made things clear between them. Lester

eyes narrowed, waiting for her

dare meet Rupert's eyes. "Mr. Rupert

He subtly shifted to stand a bit in front of Sylvia, facing Rupert with a calm, unreadable

two men, both seasoned in corporate games, saw the challenge in each other instantly-even

extended his hand. "Mr. Rupert, I've heard a lot about

Sanford. The feeling's mutual." Their handshake tightened, neither man giving

makes family

was he talking about? She was just his pretend date,

question. But he just glanced at Reese and said quietly, "Not

and gave

wonder Rupert answered so quickly he wanted to

Of course not. The Garcia family had never

she understood Rupert's warning-reminding her of her place. She was an

in thought. Suddenly, Reese

neck-wait, let me wipe that off for

a smudge of red

out, flustered. "Sorry, Lester, that was

Since when do you have

cheeks burned. She'd practiced saying "Lester" over and over on the way here, just to make sure