Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 462

As the shadowy figure moved closer, the motion-sensor light above Sylvia's head suddenly blinked off.

"Ahh!" she shrieked, startled. Apparently, her scream scared the figure too-he nearly lost his footing and almost tumbled down the stairs.

Right then, the light flickered back to life.

Seeing each other's faces, both froze, hands flying to clamp over their gaping mouths in mutual shock.

"Sylvia!"

"Ms. Ward! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Sylvia clutched her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.

Ms. Ward leaned against the wall, catching her breath. "You and me both, honey! I thought I was just hearing my own footsteps echoing."

Sylvia let out a shaky laugh and linked arms with her. They started up the stairs together, listening to Ms. Ward grumble about how the elevator had to break down now of all times-never early, never late, just perfectly inconvenient.

Lost in their animated chatter, neither noticed the faint movement of the door downstairs.

Inside, a man pretending to be a resident moved with practiced brutality. Even though Rupert stood before him, the man didn't hold back-his punches landed heavy and precise.

Realizing he was outmatched, the man resorted to dirty tactics, pulling a knife for a sneak attack.

Rupert's palm was slashed, but he barely flinched. Spinning around, he caught the man in a chokehold. In seconds, the man's eyes rolled back and he slumped to the floor, unconscious.

looked down at him, blood dripping from

Orson called as he hurried in with backup. He

his voice flat and cold. "Just another mercenary with no loyalty except to a paycheck. Clean this

Orson signaled to the security team

a worried look. "Sir, this is the fifth incident in just over two weeks. Twice this week alone. If this keeps up, he's bound to

bloodied handkerchief into the trash. "It's almost Christmas.

Orson's face. "Yes,

to greet him. Her smile vanished when she spotted the blood on his

happened? Weren't you just picking up files from the

hand, concern

her hand in reassurance. “Just a

first aid kit." Reese turned to

sleep. I have a few things to finish up in the office." Rupert walked

watched his retreating figure, biting her lip. He really was gentler with her than anyone else, but

her courage, she called after

bedroom. After all...

grew softer and

his shoulder with a

Reese's lips.

that, she hurried off to the