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."

that Sylvia's officially on board, she can surely sponsor a bottle or

eyes turned expectantly to

fuss over a bottle of wine, Sylvia thought. She stood up. "I'll ask

heard Mr. Rupert had a gorgeous wine cellar built just for Paradise Pavilion. That's where all the good stuff is kept. Sylvia,

"Nope," Sylvia replied flatly.

you're treating, you should pick out the wine yourself-plus you

push toward the door just

there was no backing out; she

crossed her arms

...

long corridor. Outside, the moonlight shimmered on the

rippling water, but the sight left her feeling

she turned a corner-just as the

with a man coming

man's black walking cane slipped from his hand and hit the floor ther rolled with

had

before ale

on the pillar beside her,

s

over her like a

familiar presence-Sylvia didn't even have to look up to

away, but another arm blocked her

Nowhere to run.