Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 489

Reese reached out to take the jacket from the crook of his arm, but he sidestepped her gesture so smoothly it was almost unnoticeable.

"I've got it. You should get some sleep," Rupert said.

Her hand hovered in mid-air. She looked up at him, a little lost. "Aren't we... going

to bed together?"

Rupert hung up his coat. "Got work to do. You go ahead."

Without waiting for her reply, he headed for his study.

Reese stood there, fingers twisting nervously together. She bit her lip. "Mr. Rupert... Did I do something wrong?"

He paused, his reply flat and distant. "Don't overthink it."

"You said that last time too," Reese pressed, unable to help herself. "But you're always home late, and when you do come back, you've got bruises. Where do you go every night?"

Rupert stopped in his tracks, his eyes suddenly dark and unreadable as he looked at her.

He opened his mouth, but Reese quickly raised a hand to stop him.

smile, trying to sound upbeat. "Never mind. I'm just getting pre-wedding jitters, I guess. You're a busy man, Mr. Rupert. It's not like there's much else for you besides

not even glancing back,

moment, she took a deep breath, wiped her face hard, and told herself it was

He was good to her, in his own

she was sure

to join him in paying their

practically beaming, showering Reese with gifts-fancy chocolates, imported cheese, a delicate silver

they

he said, his tone warm and paternal. "Don't worry. I'll make

Rupert, who sat beside her with his usual blank expression. She forced a smile. "Really, I'm fine. The

his oatmeal, a hint of a cold smile at the

Some people just aren't acting in good faith. But don't worry, I know how

like he was defending Reese,

looked down, awkward, not knowing what to

she excused herself—she had medicine to

pointed. "Last night was a big night for you

set down his fork, took the hot towel from the maid, and wiped his hands

a thief," he replied, calm as

expression shifted. "What's that supposed to

gaze unreadable. "You're right, Dad. Reese deserves to be protected. So, the