Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Reese leaned in, sniffing curiously. "I picked up vanilla-scented candles—are they too much? Go on, sit down. I'll tidy up. You're my guest, and here you are doing the dishes. I feel terrible!"

Sylvia could tell Reese wasn't trying to play the perfect hostess-she was just being genuine.

But seeing Reese's bright, easy smile only made Sylvia's guilt twist in her stomach, her face going pale.

Reese's eyes widened in concern. "Oh my gosh, you're not allergic to vanilla, are you? You look white as a sheet. Please, sit down. I'll make you some tea."

"Thank you," Sylvia managed, and followed Lester out of the kitchen.

From behind, Reese called playfully, "Mr. Rupert, how could you just stand there and let Sylvia do the dishes? I'll take care of it."

She reached for the dishes, but Rupert stepped in right away.

"Don't worry, I've got it."

Sylvia heard this and couldn't help a bitter little laugh, quickening her pace as she left.

Once the others had gone, Rupert began clearing up the broken plate, his gaze lingering on the spot of blood. His eyes were dark and unreadable.

"Did you take your meds?" he asked quietly.

Reese's smile faltered. "I did. Geez, you sound more naggy than my brother."

Noticing he was still staring at the mess, she quickly changed the subject. "Maybe we should just get a dishwasher. I really don't want to hire someone and lose our privacy."

"I'll take you to the main house tomorrow," Rupert said.

"Why? I like it here."

Reese's expression crumpled a little. She truly did like the cozy little world they'd built.

"The engagement party's at the main house. Aren't you tired of shuttling back and forth? Besides, the main house is the real Garcia family home." Rupert's tone was calm, almost detached.noveldrama

But that seemed to please Reese. Her frown disappeared immediately. "Aw, you care about me! Okay, whatever you say."

Rupert didn't reply, just swept all the broken dishes into the trash.

...

Sylvia's cut wasn't deep—just a little antiseptic and a bandaid did the trick.

As Lester packed up the first aid kit, he murmured, "Ready to head home?"

Sylvia was startled by how perceptive he was, but her mind was spinning with everything that had happened. All she wanted was to leave.

She nodded. "Yeah."

"Let's go, then."

Lester helped her up just as Rupert and Reese reappeared.

Reese handed over a mug. "Sylvia, here's your tea."

Sylvia shook her head. "No, thanks. We should get going."

"But-"

"Reese, it's late, and the roads are still icy," Lester cut in.

Reese sighed. "Alright, drive safe, you guys."

"We will," Sylvia replied, saying her goodbyes before slipping on her boots and heading out the door.

Downstairs, Lester's assistant had already pulled the car around.

Sylvia had barely climbed into the backseat when she saw Lester and Rupert descending the steps together.

This was a luxury complex-only

three buildings, each more exclusive than the last. The landscaping in front of each was designed by

famous European architects.

Rupert's building was the crown jewel, with a grand entrance and impressive stonework that made the two men look like heirs straight out of an old-money dynasty, all Sharp suits and quiet authority.

Lester turned to Rupert, his tone

layered "Mr. Rupert, I trust you'llet

look after Reese. With the

engagement coming up, I expect nothing to go wrong."

Rupert's gaze was cold and unreadable. "Mr. Sanford, I don't like surprises any

more than you do."

Their eyes met, a silent current passing between them.

Then Lester slid into the car.

Sylvia didn't ask questions. She stayed silent the whole drive home.

When they pulled up to her apartment, Lester stopped her as she got out. "Aren't

you curious what Mr. Rupert and I talked about?"

Sylvia's nerves prickled-was this a test? She shook her head quickly. "No, not at all. Thanks for driving me home, Mr. Sanford."

He nodded.

Sylvia hurried inside like she was making a getaway.

Inside her building, she found both elevators out of order, bright yellow "Out of Service" signs blocking the doors.

Of course. Just her luck.

With a sigh, Sylvia started up the stairs.

She was halfway to the second floor when she thought she heard footsteps behind her.

"Hello? Who's there?"

Silence. No answer.

She tried to convince herself she was imagining things, but her pace quickened anyway.

The footsteps behind her grew faster, echoing off the walls. Suddenly, someone lunged up the stairs behind her.