Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Fay didn't tell Sylvia where they were having dinner-she just said she wanted to surprise everyone.

Sylvia had already resigned herself to spending a small fortune that night, so she didn't ask any more questions.

Right before clocking out, she got a text from Lester.

"Want me to swing by and pick you up later?"

"No need, thanks to your generosity I just got a fat bonus-taking the team out for dinner tonight."

"So you're not gonna treat your favorite sponsor to dinner? That's just not right."

"I'm off tomorrow. I'll cook for you instead."

Sylvia typed the reply in a flash and hit send without a second thought.

Ever since she'd taken Edwin's advice, she'd become comfortable letting Lester pursue her. They weren't officially together, of course, but there was definitely an unspoken understanding between them.

Just like any regular couple, they'd chat, grab the occasional bite together, talk some more.

It was simple, ordinary-and Sylvia found it strangely comforting.

On her screen, the "Lester is typing..." bubble lingered for ages.

Finally, his one-word reply popped up:

"Deal."

help but grin, picturing Lester hunched over his desk, agonizing over every word. He could be so decisive at work-just

were interrupted by

"Sylvia! Let's get going."

workday was over. She stood and grabbed

restaurant is it? I'll grab

coat, smirking. “No need. Ride with

of her colleagues had

off. She could only smile

turns, then gunned

stomach drop as the.

el.n?

Car shot

forward, and she instinctively

clutched her seatbelt. s

pushed her sunglasses

a cocky, dismissive

braver than this. Aren't you the one who'll go after

steadied herself, then glanced sideways at Fay. "Have

laughed and didn't

second later, she slammed

only saved by her white-knuckle grip on the

out laughing. "You look kinda

deep breath, smoothed her hair, and said calmly, "Ms. Langley, you'd better come up with a good excuse. You're speeding, stopped in the middle of

a police motorbike pulled up