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 yourself to

everyone says you're hard to get along with. I always knew you weren't like

care on the

more, and headed

smiling, even

stepped into the hall, he ran right

tight; he'd clearly

him a curt nod, his presence icy and intimidating

was only after Rupert walked past that Lester snapped

called after him, frowning. "Mr. Rupert, I hope you'll think

He just kept

The Garcia Manor.

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

waiting maid and

crackling in the hearth, a mug of hot cocoa

table. "Try some of this—sent straight from the best

a button on his suit

settle in, Tristan spoke again, tone casual but eyes sharp. "How's Reese

he just picked up his mug, hiding behind

so cool, the conversation felt more like a business meeting than a

set his eup down with a frown, reading between the lines. "Are you mad I had someone keep an eye on you? I was worried you'd get carried away. Reese is a good girl, you know. She's in this mess because of you! Doesn't that mean anything to

she a 'good girl'?" Rupert asked, voice

a

cool chuckle, pouring himself more coffee. "Since you already know