Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia stared down at the crumpled napkin in her hands, her voice casual, almost offhand. “If I can't help my mom this time... she probably won't make it. And you and Ms. Winslet..."

She trailed off, the words sticking in her throat.

After all, Edwin had already made his feelings clear-in front of everyone.

There was no way he'd ever end up with Kay after all she'd done to Naomi.

But no matter what, Sylvia couldn't shake the memory of Edwin marrying Kay in that other life. The image haunted her. How could a man who loved Naomi so deeply turn around and marry Kay almost before Naomi's grave was cold?

Edwin, usually so mild-mannered, picked up on what she meant right away. "You really think I'd just forget your mom and move on with Kay like nothing happened?"

Sylvia didn't answer right away, just gave a tiny nod.

Edwin and Kay had history. If he ever let his guard down-especially with Kay's family and power-it wouldn't be impossible for them to get back together. It had already happened once, hadn't it?

Edwin gave a small, almost rueful smile. "Sylvia, you might not like what I'm about to say."

She blinked, caught off guard. "You mean you actually would—”

His smile faded, his voice turning heavier. “I know you want an eye for an eye. But revenge isn't as simple as you think. We grew up differently, and if you don't finish the job, it's all pointless."

looked at

head, his usually gentle features sharpened by something colder something almost

ambition is both her strength and her greatest flaw. She'll do anything to prove herself. You could take her

her out, or making

the price for it. Kay would probably laugh as you did it, making sure everyone under the Winslet Group's umbrella saw her as the martyr and you as the villain. In the end, you'd be the only one left

at her, steady and certain. "If anything happens to your mom, I'll do whatever it takes to earn Kay's

still has Rupert. I'd be alone, but he'd understand why

mention of Rupert's name, Sylvia's hands stilled, the napkin torn almost

gentler. "Rupert's always kept everything bottled up, but he's not heartless. He'd never hand you over to a kiter

the only sound the

she was tearing her own heart

could she

and then what?" she

blinked. "What do you

keep going?

up the napkin and tossed it into the

smiled at Edwin, a light, easy smile that somehow didn't reach

I don't remember