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.

forced a small 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 work. Go on, don't let me keep you. I'll head to bed.”

glancing back, and tears

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

he'd agreed to marry her. He was good to her, in

was sure things would

soon-to-be wife, needed to join him in paying their respects to

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

insisted they stay for

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

a smile. "Really, I'm fine. The wedding's. coming up so soon, I don't want any

his oatmeal, a hint of a cold smile

suddenly stern. "It's not you making trouble, Reese. Some people just aren't acting in good faith. But don't worry, I know how

sounded like he was defending Reese, but the message was clearly for

what

they finished, she excused herself—she had medicine

voice turned pointed. "Last night was a big night for

hot towel from the maid, and wiped his

a thief," he

"What's that supposed

"You're right, Dad. Reese deserves to be