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.

her purse and turned to the window, watching the city lights blur

your mind?" Lester asked

tonight," Sylvia lied, reaching for something, anything, to

glanced over, then shrugged off his coat and draped it across her knees. "You look great in that dress, but next

nice, or was there something more behind it? Did he see her as just another pawn in some family scheme, another conquest, or

smile. "Honestly, the only

guard, then

"Hey, that fake

was teasing her,

around,” she said, finally allowing herself to relax a

me 'bro'-it sounds more natural," he

respond. Beneath 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,

smiled to herself, quietly scolding herself for clinging to the ghosts

memories, the

against the

blanketing the city in white. On the sidewalk, a young couple laughed as the guy scooped the girtinto his arms, spinning her around as the snow

was back in another time-Rupert carrying her out of a burning house, falling

bubbled up again. Why would he kill for her? Why had he

in check, but as she stared