Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Any woman would have been moved by Lester's words.

But Sylvia didn't want to let herself be swayed so easily.

She smiled and shook her head. "Mr. Sanford, you really don't have to say things like that. With your background, you'll find someone more suitable."

"Shouldn't I be the one to decide who's suitable for me?" Lester replied, his tone serious.

Sylvia met his gaze and, for a moment, didn't know what to say.

He softened. “Alright, I won't push. You've had a long day—get some rest.” He pointed at one of the files on the table. "That school looks promising."

Sylvia glanced down and couldn't help but let out a half-laugh, half-sigh. "Mr. Sanford, I know the Sanford family has branches all over this country."

Lester grinned. "See? You know me better than you think."

He always owned up to his little schemes so openly, never hiding his true intentions.

It was something Sylvia had never experienced before-such straightforward honesty.

As a child, growing up without a father, people had whispered, speculated she was illegitimate. She could never defend herself, so whenever anyone asked about her dad, she'd dodge the question, embarrassed and uncertain.

She was always afraid Naomi would be hurt, and she didn't want others to look at her daughter differently.

Later, when she married Rupert, there was no wedding, no vows, not even a simple gold band. She was kept away from the world, tucked away in a big house with her daughter, as if she was meant to live in the shadows.

Her whole life, it seemed, she was only ever allowed to exist on the margins.

now, she still caught

managed a genuine smile. "Thank

nodded

back on the couch, staring down at the

someone fiddling with the lock

Lester had forgotten something

got up to answer,

Lester, he'd just knock. Why was someone

Unless...

peephole—and sure enough, it

Rupert.

was holding a key, God knows how

changed the locks

deep breath and called out, "That's

a

your hand?" Rupert's voice was low, almost a

second, glancing down at the burn mark on the back of her hand. It

expected Rupert to

a bitter laugh, her arm dropping limply to her side. "Don't

to me like that?" Rupert said, his

else do you expect, Mr. Rupert? Why would I have any reason to be

can't talk to me, but you can

she could hear the rough edge in his voice,