Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 457

When Lester heard her still call him "Mr. Sanford," he understood-she wanted to keep her distance. Yet he couldn't help but be curious about her.

He leaned in just a bit, noticing the subtle scent of earl grey clinging to her. It was faint, but somehow comforting.

Sylvia, realizing he hadn't answered for a while, finally turned her head-only to find they were much closer than she'd thought.

She quickly pulled back, reminding him, "Mr. Sanford?"

Snapping out of it, Lester glanced over her profile, his gaze a little too intense before he forced himself to relax. "Sure," he said quietly.

Sylvia gave a soft "Okay," and purposefully put more space between them.

Just as they neared the restaurant, Lester's phone buzzed. Reese's name flashed on the screen.

"What's up? You always forget something," Lester said, pausing and glancing at Sylvia. "I'm a bit busy right now."

Maybe it was just too quiet in the car, but Sylvia could hear Reese's voice on the other end, crystal clear.

"Hey, bro, you're not out with Sylvia, are you?"

"I am," Lester admitted without hesitation.

and she twisted her fingers together,

nerves.

was an old anxiety, really. Eight years of bad luck, years treading carefully in the Garcia family, and Tristan constantly holding her back. She'd

turned and gave her a

excited voice came through the speaker: "I made a killer lasagna tonight!

cozy evening with Mr. Rupert,"

still have my stuff in your trunk-my treasures! If I don't see them, I'll be heartbroken," Reese

"Fine... but

waiting!" Reese chirped, cutting him off and hanging up before

shook his head at his phone, grinning despite himself. Then he turned to Sylvia, looking a

Rupert. She left a suitcase in my car and wants me

in?" Sylvia repeated,

invited us both for

a shallow breath, lips parting as if to say

throat re moment, she just

told his driver to

the time Sylvia realized what was happening, they were already parked outside. If she

was up

put on

best poker face and followed him