Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 444

After using the restroom, Sylvia didn't go straight back to the private lounge.

She couldn't shake the feeling that she just didn't belong there. Especially with the way Tristan kept throwing her those meaningful glances, as if he was silently urging her to leave.

Instead, Sylvia headed down the hallway toward the lounge area. Pushing open the glass door, she was hit with a gust of chilly air. She shivered, hugging herself as she leaned against the railing and gazed out at the distant city lights.

Only when her nerves had finally settled did she remember her unfinished responsibilities. Sighing, she turned to head back.

But the moment she spun around, she collided headlong into a man's hard chest.

Her eyes flicked upward, meeting Rupert's cold, piercing gaze. The icy air seemed to fill her lungs, making her teeth chatter slightly.

Sylvia took a step back, forcing herself to stay calm. "Uncle Rupert. Is there something you need?"

Rupert didn't answer right away. Instead, he closed the distance between them, step by step, until her back pressed against the railing and she had nowhere left

to go.

He braced his arm on either side of her, trapping her there, his dark eyes glinting with something both dangerous and amused.

His voice, when he finally spoke, was laced with mockery. "Wearing the dress I bought you, and showing up here with another man. You sure know how to play, Sylvia."

for it? I'll pay

curled into a cold half-smile. "Pay me back? No

beat. Instinctively, she tried to push him away, but he caught her wrist and

the principal,"

the words out before he

to grip her waist-right where Lester had steadied her earlier. He squeezed hard, almost painfully,

face twisted in discomfort; it actually

to breathe,

from him," he

up at his chiseled face,

about her and

that kind of man-dangerous, domineering

belonged to him.

care about her, not really. If he did, she'd be sitting proudly

Rupert, don't I deserve to spend a little time with someone who actually wants

radiated a fierce, icy anger, like he

down. "And who are you to give orders? My uncle?

I'm serious. He's not what you think,"

and couldn't help but let out another

"Oh, and you are? At