Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Edwin had insisted Rupert was studying his heart out overseas, always ahead of the curve with his coursework. If he was so busy, where did he find the time to chase women?

Paradise Pavilion.

When Sylvia and Fay stepped into the private dining room, the rest of their coworkers were already seated.

"Sylvia, Fay, come join us! What took you two so long?" someone called out.

Fay's face darkened, clearly embarrassed.

Sylvia quickly explained, "Ms. Langley just got back from abroad. She's not used to the roads yet."

No one seemed to mind. "Just keep driving and you'll get the hang of it. Now let's order—I'm starving!" one coworker said.

Sylvia grinned and took the menu. As Fay sat down, she leaned in and whispered sharply, "Don't think I owe you anything for covering for me. I can't stand girls like you-greedy and shameless."

Fay was clearly trying to get under Sylvia's skin, but Sylvia didn't bite. Instead, she turned to the others and started chatting about what to order.

Fay huffed, pulling out her phone and tapping away, clearly up to something.

Once the food was ordered, the mood around the table lightened, everyone laughing and joking.

Just then, Fay's phone lit up with a message. She stood and smiled. "Sylvia, it's such a great night-how can we not have some drinks? Why don't you pick out a bottle of wine for us?"

Before Sylvia could respond, a couple of the guys chimed in, "Ms. Langley always knows how to get a party started."

like something was missing-now that Sylvia's officially on board,

turned expectantly

of wine, Sylvia thought. She stood up. "I'll ask the waiter to bring the wine

Rupert had a gorgeous wine cellar built just for Paradise Pavilion.

"Nope," Sylvia replied flatly.

pick out the

the door just as a waiter appeared,

there was no backing out; she could only follow

Fay crossed her arms and

...

the moonlight shimmered on the lake, casting

a moment to watch the rippling water, but the sight left

turned a corner-just as the waiter accidentally

with a

slipped from his hand and hit the

barely had time

happened before

braced itself on the pillar beside her, blocking her

s

over her like a mountain,

even have to look up to know who

to turn away,

Nowhere to run.