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.

him, blood dripping from his

Rupert," Orson called as he hurried in with

blood away, his voice flat and cold. "Just another mercenary with no loyalty except

sir." Orson signaled to the

incident in just over two weeks. Twice this week alone. If this keeps up,

into the trash. "It's almost Christmas. Maybe it's time the Garcia family had a little

"Yes, sir.

apartment, Reese immediately came out to greet him. Her smile vanished when she

happened? Weren't you just picking up files

his hand, concern shining

hand in reassurance. “Just a scratch. Nothing to worry

aid kit." Reese turned to fetch

to finish up in the

was gentler with her than anyone else,

called after him, "Mr.

master bedroom. After all... we're almost engaged,

softer and her cheeks flushed

over his shoulder with a simple,

small smile flickered on Reese's lips. "Okay.

that, she hurried off to the master