Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 500

Sylvia's breath hitched, her heart tight as if someone had seized it in a fist and slammed it down onto a frozen lake.

"For who? What am I supposed to apologize for?" she snapped back, her voice sharp.

Rupert said nothing, his face as cold and hard as a Chicago winter.

His grip on her arm tightened, digging in as if he wanted to snap it.

He leaned in, voice low so only the two of them could hear, every word deliberate: "Sylvia, you're the first person to ever lie to me twice."

She scoffed. "Learned from the best. Why on earth do you think I'd ever be the side chick to a guy who lies to me and tries to blackmail me?"

"So it was all fake?" Rupert's eyes were glacial, locked on hers.

Yes.

Sylvia opened her mouth, but the word stuck in her throat.

She dropped her gaze to his hand, his fingers still clamped on her wrist. "Uncle Rupert, Mrs. Sanford is watching you," she said quietly.

Rupert glanced over at Reese and let go of her at once, stepping back.

See? Sylvia thought. The truth, the lies-it didn't even matter. He'd already made his choice.

As he put distance between them, Sylvia let her arm fall limply to her side.

All that was left on her face was a bold slash of red lipstick-her eyes were drained of hope.

Almost at the same moment, the butler appeared with a couple of staff to escort Sylvia out.

Strangely, Sylvia felt relieved.

finally done what she came

photos-her roommate had taken those. And she'd

would never

when to

would have to publicly

tonight on, Tristan could never treat her like

the light in her eyes fading with every

Rupert,

walked out without a

go! Let's all sit down and

cheerful smiles, as if nothing had

dining room lights seemed to flicker

soothe him. “Mr.

comfortable staying anywaJone

reached for his arm.

Rupert instinctively pulled away.

Reese's heart skipped.

she could say anything, Edwin's assistant rushed in,

Ms. Lloyd just drove off

how to drive," Naomi said, shaking her

the room, Chris dropped his

just shouted, "Hurry! Stop her!

a dark look, and Chris looked away, guilt written all over his

deafening crash sounded from

Everyone shot to their

except Rupert, who stood frozen,

shattering, waves of him