Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 448

Rupert sat awake all night.

By morning, Reese slowly opened her eyes, finding him still by her side. Relief and a gentle ache welled up in her chest.

Her voice was barely more than a whisper. “Mr. Rupert, I'm sorry I made you stay with me all night."

Rupert blinked as if coming back to himself, then stood up. "I'll go get the doctor."

As he turned, Reese reached out and caught his hand.

"Mr. Rupert, I like you. Could we... maybe be together? Of course, it's okay if you say no."

Rupert's eyes dropped to hers. He gently but firmly pulled his hand free. "Let's have the doctor check on you first."

Reese watched him leave, biting her pale lip, tears stinging her eyes.

The doctor arrived soon after, gave Reese a quick check, and assured her she was out of danger. They moved her to a regular room.

Rupert helped her into bed, his voice steady and deep. "Your brother's on his way."

Reese clutched his arm, a little desperate. "Mr. Rupert, are you leaving?"

"I got word from home. I need to go back for a while."

His eyes were dark and unreadable, cold as a frosted window in winter. Nothing showed, not a crack.

Reese froze, but a moment later she managed a smile and even let out a quiet laugh.

actually explaining

you're hard to get along with. I

on

more, and

still smiling, even

stepped into the hall, he ran

face was tight; he'd clearly overheard his sister's

merely gave him a curt nod, his presence icy and intimidating enough

after Rupert walked past that

"Mr. Rupert, I hope

didn't reply. He just

The Garcia Manor.

Christmas, and the staff were busy swapping out decorations- holly, wreaths,

handed his coat to a waiting

window, a fire crackling in the hearth, a mug of hot

some of this—sent straight

replied, loosening a button on his suit jacket as he

in, Tristan spoke again, tone

gaze, but he just picked up his mug, hiding behind its

like a business meeting than

frown, reading between the lines. "Are you mad I had someone keep an eye on you? I was worried you'd get

what way is she a 'good girl'?" Rupert asked,

a damn sight better than some of those people

"Since you