Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

As the shadowy figure moved closer, the motion-sensor light above Sylvia's head suddenly blinked off.

"Ahh!" she shrieked, startled. Apparently, her scream scared the figure too-he nearly lost his footing and almost tumbled down the stairs.

Right then, the light flickered back to life.

Seeing each other's faces, both froze, hands flying to clamp over their gaping mouths in mutual shock.

"Sylvia!"

"Ms. Ward! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Sylvia clutched her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.

Ms. Ward leaned against the wall, catching her breath. "You and me both, honey! I thought I was just hearing my own footsteps echoing."

Sylvia let out a shaky laugh and linked arms with her. They started up the stairs together, listening to Ms. Ward grumble about how the elevator had to break down now of all times-never early, never late, just perfectly inconvenient.

Lost in their animated chatter, neither noticed the faint movement of the door downstairs.

Inside, a man pretending to be a resident moved with practiced brutality. Even though Rupert stood before him, the man didn't hold back-his punches landed heavy and precise.

Realizing he was outmatched, the man resorted to dirty tactics, pulling a knife for a sneak attack.

Rupert's palm was slashed, but he barely flinched. Spinning around, he caught the man in a chokehold. In seconds, the man's eyes rolled back and he slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Rupert looked down at him, blood dripping from his hand.

"Mr. Rupert," Orson called as he hurried in with backup. He quickly offered a handkerchief.

Rupert took it and wiped the blood away, his voice flat and cold. "Just another mercenary with no loyalty except to a paycheck. Clean this up."noveldrama

"Yes, sir." Orson signaled to the security team behind him.

Once the man was dragged away, Orson cast Rupert a worried look. "Sir, this is the fifth incident in just over two weeks. Twice this week alone. If this keeps up, he's bound to get suspicious."

Rupert's gaze flashed dangerously cold. He considered for a moment, then tossed the bloodied handkerchief into the trash. "It's almost Christmas. Maybe it's time the Garcia family had a little excitement."

Understanding dawned on Orson's face. "Yes, sir. I'll see to it."

Later, as Rupert entered the apartment, Reese immediately came out to greet him. Her smile vanished when she spotted the blood on his hand, replaced by a look of alarm.

"Mr. Rupert! Your hand-what happened? Weren't you just picking up files from the office? How did you get hurt?"

She gently took his hand, concern shining in her eyes.

Rupert patted her hand in reassurance. “Just a scratch. Nothing to worry about."

"I'll get the first aid kit." Reese turned to fetch it.

"No need. It's late-get some sleep. I have a few things to finish up in the office." Rupert walked off toward his study.

Reese watched his retreating figure, biting her lip. He really was gentler with her than anyone else, but she always felt a hollow ache in her chest.

Mustering her courage, she called after him, "Mr. Rupert, I've

decided I'll move into the master bedroom. After all... we're almost engaged, right?"

Her voice grew softer and her cheeks flushed pink.

Rupert paused, glancing over his shoulder with a simple, "Alright."

A small smile flickered on Reese's lips. "Okay. I'll wait for you."

With that, she hurried off to the master bedroom.

She looked around the spotless walk-in closet and hung up a few of her own clothes.

"He said the room wasn't ready and I should stay in the guest room, but this place is spotless..."

"Is he... embarrassed or something?"

She picked up one of Rupert's pajama shirts, pressing it to her cheek. It smelled faintly of lavender.

Breathing in the scent, she couldn't help but imagine what life would be like once they were married.

A moment later, an idea struck her. Taking Rupert's shirt, she headed into the bathroom.

Meanwhile, after Sylvia and Ms. Ward finally reached the top floor, the elevator miraculously started working again.

They stood in front of it, cursing at it for a good five minutes.

Finally, they shared a glass of red wine in the hallway before heading off to their own apartments to sleep.

Sylvia thought the wine would

her drift off, but every time she closed her eyes, all she saw Rupert's aloof, commanding face.

sleeping pill into her palm.

With a sigh, she rubbed her temples, opened her nightstand drawer, and shook a