Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

After taking his meds, Rupert yanked off his tie and tossed it aside.

"You can head home," he muttered.

Orson didn't reply. It was the first time he'd seen Rupert looking this rough-not just physically, but like something inside him was broken, too.

He hesitated, then stepped out of the room, deciding he'd crash on the couch for the night-just in case.

Sitting there, Orson absentmindedly glanced down at the worn cushions and sighed.

Honestly, he didn't really believe Sylvia was the kind of girl who'd mess around. Maybe there was some misunderstanding?

He pulled out his phone and scrolled through Twitter until he found Zion's profile— just a bunch of shirtless flexing pics, as usual.

"Where are you?" Orson messaged.

"Venmo me $500 and I'll tell you."

"Goodbye."

"Hey, don't be like that. You still owe me for the doctor's bill after you knocked me over last time. Dr. Chris said it wasn't a minor injury."

"Where's your boss?"

"Trying to get info out of me? Ha, Venmo me $5000 and I'll spill."

Orson dropped his phone and closed his eyes, ready for sleep.

A few minutes later, Zion messaged again.

So am I.

the messages and sent

all I've got

Rupert replied-he'd

"Venmo him."

"On it."

sent

replied with a cheeky

you're skimming off the top! 50-50 split,

just shut his eyes

legs kicked

But honestly, isn't it better if

woman's reputation for something like this? Rupert's unhinged-I don't want Reese or Sylvia caught in

vel

because donhink Sylvel

fully

someone here helps her feel

"Fair enough, boss."

The next morning.

was already nine. A minute later, she

out

was already dressed, looking relaxed in the casual clothes Zion had

so I asked Zion to grab

at the spread-eggs, toast, some fruit, and coffee. She scratched her head, sheepish. "Sorry, I totally

hit the

I'll go