Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Downstairs.

Orson hadn't expected Rupert to come down so quickly. He scrambled out of the car to meet him, only to notice Rupert still had the folder he'd taken upstairs.

"Mr. Rupert, did Ms. Lloyd refuse it? But isn't this school the one she wanted most?"

"You know, as soon as she said she wanted to study further, you were the first to reach out and help her get this interview. It took a lot of convincing to make it happen."

Rupert shoved the folder into Orson's arms. "Find a way to let her know. Just don't let her find out it was me who arranged it."

"Mr. Rupert..."

But Rupert didn't reply. He just got in the car and drove off.

Orson let out a long sigh before starting the engine and heading away.

The next day, Sylvia received another bouquet from Lester.

This time, he was definitely bolder. The flowers he'd sent before had been pretty subtle, just little hints here and there.

But today? A huge bouquet of blushing pink English roses.

The soft, pastel colors instantly brightened up the entire office.

Sylvia tidied the arrangement, snapped a quick selfie holding the flowers, and sent it to Lester.

Mr. Sanford, your flowers have

the bouquet,"

straightforwardness made Sylvia

she could, her coworkers' teasing

you can't deny it now, can you? That's definitely a

as she was about to explain, someone stood

Fay.

lingering on the

looking out for you. You're always so vague-are you sure you're not getting flowers from abunch of different guys? It's gotta be nice being the pretty one."

basically meant: Sylvia's a

of his family background. If things didn't work out between them, she didn't want anyone using the flower deliveries as office

quiet. Fay's comment immediately made some coworkers exchange

lot of wealthy clients, but you can't

to side with

those wives don't hold back when

getting your hair

come running to

a little snort,

background. The wives are too classy toget their hands dirty. But if they really want to send

a special emphasis on "equals,” as if she was

she hadn't mentioned Lester's name. Who knew what kind of stories they'd be

about to let