Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Lester shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "You've had a few drinks, so don't stand out here in the cold. Let me drive you home."

Sylvia smiled and shook her head. "That's sweet, but what about Reese?"

"She'll be fine—she's got Mr. Rupert with her," Lester said, nodding toward the parking lot.

Sylvia glanced over. Sure enough, Reese was waving goodbye, her arm hooked around Rupert's. Fay trailed along after them, looking a bit awkward.

Out of politeness, Sylvia lifted her hand in return. Just then, a chilly gust blew straight at her, making her sway on her feet.

Lester reached out and steadied her. "You alright?"

Sylvia shook her head with a little laugh. "I'm fine, really."

"Come on, don't play tough." Lester leaned in, his voice low and gentle. "My car's right over there."

She nodded, not arguing this time, letting him guide her away.

As they turned to leave, Sylvia could feel someone's eyes on her—a gaze sharp and unreadable, lingering like a shadow. She didn't look back. She just slipped into Lester's car and let the night close behind them.

***

On the other side of the lot, Reese tugged on Rupert's arm. "Mr. Rupert, it's freezing. Can we go?"

"Fay's car got towed, so she's catching a ride with us," Rupert said, his voice cool and distant.

he slid into the driver's seat. Fay followed nervously, her

car didn't pull away immediately. Reese was about to

Rupert, giving a respectful nod. "Sir, the staff took care

didn't understand

it, but Fay was shaking beside

the car stopped, Fay muttered

she jabbed at her phone

you promise Reese and Mr. Sanford would see Sylvia's true colors tonight? I almost got caught up in your

just proves how cunning Sylvia is. Can you really stand to let

***

happened. Fay had insisted on pushing her and Rupert together, and it definitely

at Lester

and raised an eyebrow. "You want to know about

nodded, a little

with Reese to

Trust me, if I was really interested, I wouldn't have let my relatives

into that awful blind date,

belongs to s

imagine a guy like you

And the girl didn't even seem to

smirked. "You really want to

Sylvia propped her chin on her hand, eyes full of

his thumb