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.

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.” Rupert just grunted and disappeared

even glancing back, and

wiped her face hard, and told herself

to marry her. He was good to her, in

married, she was sure

to join him in paying their

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

they stay

he said, his tone warm

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

a hint of a cold smile at the corner of

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

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

down, awkward, not knowing what

they finished, she excused herself—she had

pointed. "Last night was a big night for you two. Why'd

the hot towel from the maid, and wiped his

to catch a thief," he replied, calm

expression shifted. "What's that supposed to

Reese deserves to be protected. So, the thief had to