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.

the driver's seat. Fay followed nervously, her steps

pull away immediately. Reese was about to ask why when Orson, Rupert's assistant,

the staff took care of it." Reese

didn't change. "Someone who didn't understand their place. Not

was shaking beside her, barely holding

soon as the car stopped, Fay muttered a

home, she jabbed at her

would see Sylvia's true colors tonight? I almost got caught

easy, Fay. If anything, this just proves how cunning Sylvia is. Can you really stand

***

on pushing her and Rupert together, and it definitely seemed

at Lester

eyebrow. "You want to

a little

along with Reese to my family's

me, if I was really interested, I wouldn't have

into that awful blind date, Lester said

belongs to s

to imagine a guy like

girl didn't even seem to know who you

"You really

Sylvia propped her chin on her hand, eyes

jerked his thumb toward Zion. "Ask