Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia swallowed her anger with effort, her hands clenching tightly on her knees.

"Ms. Winslet, you know I wouldn't come to you empty-handed."

Kay's wine glass paused at her lips, and she shot Sylvia a razor-sharp sideways glance.

"Sylvia, you'd better watch what you say."

Sylvia met her warning eyes directly, then let her gaze drift slowly to the ring on Kay's finger.

Forget the elaborate setting-just the reverse-mounting technique was rare. And those gemstone cuts were hardly standard.

Sylvia was a jewelry designer; she noticed every piece that flashed by her eyes.

According to the gossip online, that ring was given to Kay by her father when she took over the family business. It was a symbol of her status.

She never took it off.

It wasn't the kind of thing someone could fake.

Kay, noticing Sylvia's stare, seemed to catch on and instinctively covered her hand.

Sylvia pulled out her phone, tapping a photo. She pointed at the clear handprint on Naomi's cheek and zoomed in until you could make out the unique pattern where the middle finger had pressed.

yourself. Otherwise..." Sylvia threw Kay's own words back at

in Winslet Group's

for women. Yet here she was, hurting another woman with

that a threat?" Kay

not a threat.

They locked eyes.

jaw. Suddenly, she gave a chilly,

I might actually respect you a little. Too bad... You'll never

her lips together, cold sweat slicking her palm

was me. So what? A ring-shaped bruise only proves I hit your mom, not that

her and her boytoy Ugh, even I couldn't keep watching. I

belongs to s

think about recording me. I've been in

a few tricks."

nudged a small device by her foot—a

down at her phone-her

hand. "Sylvia, you're way too green. And your mom's just hopeless. What right do you have to

Sylvia's heart dropped.

What

not a kid anymore. Time to get

mom, always chasing things that don't