Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 446

When Rupert and Lester returned to the private room, their faces betrayed

nothing-cool, collected, as if nothing had happened. Only they knew what had just been discussed.

"Let's go," Lester said, walking over to Sylvia and taking her purse with

gentlemanly ease.

"Mm-hmm," Sylvia replied, following him out of the hotel.

There were a few more pleasantries exchanged at the entrance before Lester's assistant pulled up in a sleek, black sedan.

As they got in, Lester looked back at Reese with a mock-stern tone. "Don't get too wild tonight."

Reese grinned, her voice teasing. "I know, I know! Just make sure you get Sylvia home safe. Mr. Rupert will make sure I don't get into any trouble."

It was obvious Lester never treated Reese like she was fragile or different, which probably explained why she could be so cheerful and at ease with herself.

Sylvia felt a pang of guilt-she couldn't help but admire Reese's confidence. Not wanting to dwell on it, she ducked into the car, head down.

As she closed the door, she caught a glimpse of Rupert standing by the curb, his eyes locked on her-cold, intense, as if silently reminding her not to forget what he'd asked of her earlier.

Sylvia pressed her lips together and stared straight ahead. Even as the car pulled away from the hotel, she could still feel his gaze burning into her back.

Her phone buzzed.

Rupert, of course.

Wait for me.

didn't reply. She shoved the phone back into her purse and turned to the window, watching the

mind?"

Just thinking it's really cold tonight," Sylvia

off his coat and draped it across her knees.

unsure. Was he just being nice, or was there something more behind it? Did he see her as just another pawn in

her gaze and offered a small, knowing smile. "Honestly, the only thing I'm missing these days is

guard, then let

"Hey, that fake laugh of yours

realized he was teasing her, trying to lighten

you could joke around,” she said, finally allowing herself to relax a

prefer when you call me 'bro'-it sounds more natural," he replied,

Lester's coat, she could feel the lingering warmth and the faint scent of his cologne He was nothing like Rupert-Lester's coofness never felt cruel,

to herself, quietly scolding herself for clinging

to shake off the memories, the

tapping sounded against the window-a

young couple laughed as the guy scooped the girtinto his arms, spinning her around as the

in another time-Rupert carrying her out of a burning house, falling to his knees, everything she'd tried

up again. Why would he kill for her? Why had he let Warren go, for her sake? And why did he

to keep her emotions in check, but as she stared into the snowy night, she realized