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.

her fingers together, trying

nerves.

luck, years treading carefully in the Garcia family, and Tristan constantly holding her back. She'd convinced herself that nobody would ever want to stand by

and gave her a reassuring

her lips together, just as Reese's excited voice came through the speaker: "I made a killer lasagna tonight! Bring

want to interrupt your cozy evening with Mr. Rupert," Lester replied,

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

"Fine... but

be waiting!" Reese chirped, cutting him off

shook his head at his phone, grinning despite himself. Then

moving in with Rupert. She left a suitcase in my car and wants me to bring

in?" Sylvia

She invited us both for

drew a shallow breath, lips parting as if

in her throat re moment, she just

was agreement, Lester told his driver

they were already parked outside. If she tried to leave

up so

put on

best poker face