Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia's smile faded in an instant as she looked at the people in front of her, suddenly feeling a bit awkward.

Reese stood by the car, arm in arm with Rupert, and called out, "Sylvia, I haven't seen you this happy in ages."

“Isn't that right, Mr. Rupert?" She tugged playfully at Rupert's sleeve.

Rupert simply shot a cool glance at Sylvia and Lester, not bothering to say a word.

Reese's smile faltered, pressing her lips together in discomfort.

The tension in the air was thick enough to slice with a butter knife.

Trying to break the silence, Sylvia cleared her throat and forced a new topic. "So, what brings you two here this morning?"

Reese quickly explained, "I saw the news about the stalker in your neighborhood and got worried. I asked Mr. Rupert to come with me to check in on you. We ran into Zion downstairs, who said you and Lester had already left early."

For a moment, only the wind filled the silence.

"Reese!” Lester cut in, his voice sharp as he frowned, the mood chilling even further.

Reese's face went pale as she clutched her purse tightly.

It was clear to everyone what Reese was really here to find out whether Sylvia and Lester had spent the night together.

Sylvia felt exposed, as if someone had thrown open every curtain in her life. The grocery bag in her hand, with just three tomatoes inside, suddenly felt as heavy as a sack of bricks, her fingers aching from gripping it so tight.

She could see Reese avoiding her eyes, looking like a guilty child caught red- handed.

Sylvia bit her lip hard to steady herself, ready to explain, but before she could say anything, Reese suddenly swayed and collapsed into Rupert's arms.

from Reese's purse and

the medicine, Reese still looked

set aside his cane and, ignoring his own condition, scooped her up

cold out here. Let's

"I can walk myself.

her protests and, without asking Sylvia

for a second,

bag from her hands, rubbing the red marks

I'm sorry.

fine. Go check on her, will you?" Sylvia replied, putting on a brave

had helped her before-she didn't want to cause a

Sylvia could even take a breath,

“Ms. Lloyd, my boss is just the sweetest guy, isn't he?

reply,

Orson,

nore serious, said, “You

Zion, frogs are the

You should try being a bit

the two of

pulled out

apples from

chote, shoving one

each of their

hurried after

of his apple, eyeing