Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Yeah."

...

Private Clinic.

Sylvia had picked up some of Naomi's favorite snacks from a little deli on the way over-mini quiches, a slice of apple pie, and a thermos of hot chicken soup.

The bruises on Naomi's face had faded quite a bit, but she still looked haggard, her eyes shadowed from too many sleepless nights.

"Mom, try to eat something. There's been some progress," Sylvia said, setting the food out on the bedside table.

At the mention of progress, Naomi finally looked up, a flicker of hope in her tired eyes.

"Sylvia, did you find that man?"

"Not yet, but we're getting close." Sylvia handed her a fork, her tone gentle. "Mom, can I ask you something?"

Naomi nodded weakly. "Go ahead."

"If Bridget hadn't gotten into trouble, and she kept coming after me, what would you have done?"

hard she nearly dropped the

I saw everything you went through, I wanted to confront Bridget myself. If it wasn't for Edwin talking me

to sound casual as she poured soup into Naomi's

too hard,

herself before she spoke. “Edwin only found out later that Bridget once saved Rupert's life. That's why Rupert kept giving her chance after

high and mighty, but deep down? She was just trying to survive-no way would she risk

I could, Bridget got into trouble, and then Reese showed up. That's when everything

slipped; the box of mini quiches crashed to the floor, soup splattering

pain,

went even paler as Naomi's words clicked into place. Suddenly,

never lied to

at Bridget's hands. Naomi would cry every time the gossip columns tore into them, but they were nobodies in high Society powerless to fight back.

of Bridget saving Rupert. She and Edwin had

finally realized who

Reese.

each other; finding Reese and confirming the truth

squeezing

did meet her.