Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Mr. Rupert? Mr. Rupert?"

Reese tugged gently at the man's sleeve beside her.

Rupert snapped back to attention, his voice cool and distant. "What is it?"

Reese's smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered. "We're heading home now."

"You and Ms. Winslet go on ahead. I need to stop by the office." Rupert slipped his arm from her grasp and shot a chilly glance at Kay.

The look sent a shiver down Kay's spine. She'd been about to nudge Reese into following Rupert, but under his icy stare, she could only put on a brave face and force a smile.

"Reese, I'll go back with you. Let's not keep Mr. Rupert from his work."

"Alright," Reese said, nodding, and followed Kay to the car.

Once the two women had left, Orson pulled up in front of Rupert and opened the car door for him.

Pressing down his suit jacket, Rupert paused before getting in, his voice low. "I want you to personally keep an eye on Sylvia."

Orson looked puzzled. "She's got nothing left. I doubt she'll try anything."

don't know her like

"Understood, sir."

way back to the

gazed out the window, lost

why the long face? Now that Mr. Rupert's moving back in, you two lovebirds should finally

was it you who talked Tristan into moving Mr. Rupert's things back from his

thinking of

I'm just desperate to have him around? We're

so frustrated she could

for Reese's inhaler, handing it over and

a deep breath, then asked, "Aunt Kay, did you already

then muttered, "I just overheard it from Mrs. Hanson during our poker night. Besides, with Sylvia's background, marrying into the

raised by Kay-she didn't want to

like today. I don't want to use other people to make myself look

With your family and background, you could have anyone eating out of the palm of your hand. If I had your kind of power and money, forget Sylvia or Naomi-even Edwin Garcia would

together and said gently, "Reese, you're kind, but not everyone thinks the same. I didn't invite Sylvia, and you do tell

biting

just wanted to show her she's

to argue, but some small, selfish part of her