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.

explaining yourself to

get along with. I always knew you

care on

nodded, said nothing more, and headed

waved at his back, still smiling,

hall, he ran right

he'd clearly overheard his sister's

presence icy and

past that Lester

I hope you'll think

reply. He

The Garcia Manor.

Christmas, and the staff were

his coat to a waiting maid and

by the window, a fire crackling in the

"Try some of this—sent

a button on his suit jacket as

again, tone

his gaze, but he just

like a business meeting than a chat between father and

eye on you? I was worried you'd get

she a 'good girl'?" Rupert asked,

She's a

chuckle, pouring himself more coffee. "Since you already know everything, you don't