Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 512

Sylvia bumped right into Rupert's shoulder.

The bar was dim, shadows flickering off the bourbon bottles, but she could feel his eyes on her-heavy, dark, and intent.

There was something brewing behind that cool, black gaze of his. He swallowed, Adam's apple bobbing, voice gravelly as he finally spoke. "What are you so afraid of?"

His tone was low, restrained, like he was holding something back.

Sylvia ducked her head for a moment, then met his stare head-on. "Isn't this how anyone would act around their, you know, elders?"

Rupert's sharp eyes never left her, scanning every twitch of her expression, the air thick with tension.

But Sylvia just looked back at him, puzzled, calm as you please.

He let out a cold, almost mocking laugh under his breath, but there was something else tangled in it-something she couldn't quite name.

Still holding her firmly, Rupert's face stayed unreadable. "I helped you out. Don't you think you owe me a little something in return, hmm?"

Sylvia glanced at the woman lingering beside him and nodded, understanding.

"Sure thing, Uncle Rupert," she shot back, breezy and unfazed, like she'd help out any guy who asked the same.

Rupert's eyes darkened, grip tightening around her wrist.

"Ow," Sylvia hissed quietly. "Uncle Rupert, could you loosen up a bit? Kinda hard to help you like this."

"So eager?" He arched a brow.

hate owing people. Once we're even, we're done." Sylvia's tone stayed

Fine

voice was simmering, something almost furious beneath the surface. He pulled Sylvia closer, his

features shadowed and distant, but his grip

need to overthink it. This is enough. Unless you

cut in, not struggling one bit. She even

bristled, chest heaving with anger, but clearly didn't dare

darker at Sylvia's easy compliance—because only someone who

would-be client, who'd

his way

graces, caught

veľ

and made a

Harrington, I'll have the contract sent over tomorrow. Sorry, didn't

Rupert replied, cold as

coast

sorted.

home," Rupert

downcast. "No need. I'll just grab a cab

brooking no argument as he headed for the elevator.

his eyebrows. "Sylvia, what're you doing

smiled, eyes

dinner

Sanford. He said

views great wanted m