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.

we're even, we're

Fine by

beneath the surface. He pulled Sylvia closer, his hand splayed

down, features shadowed and distant, but his grip was anything but

it. This is

even shot the other

chest heaving with anger, but clearly didn't

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

would-be client, who'd

flirt his way

caught sight

veľ

and made

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

Rupert replied, cold as

the coast was clear, Sylvia

that's sorted. I'll get

take you home," Rupert said, rising with

trench coat, eyes downcast. "No

as he headed for the elevator. Sylvia didn't push it, trailing after

elevator, Chris raised his eyebrows. "Sylvia,

smiled, eyes crinkling.

dinner

Me Sanford. He said

views great wanted m