Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

When Rupert and Lester returned to the private room, their faces betrayed

nothing-cool, collected, as if nothing had happened. Only they knew what had just been discussed.

"Let's go," Lester said, walking over to Sylvia and taking her purse with

gentlemanly ease.

"Mm-hmm," Sylvia replied, following him out of the hotel.

There were a few more pleasantries exchanged at the entrance before Lester's assistant pulled up in a sleek, black sedan.

As they got in, Lester looked back at Reese with a mock-stern tone. "Don't get too wild tonight."

Reese grinned, her voice teasing. "I know, I know! Just make sure you get Sylvia home safe. Mr. Rupert will make sure I don't get into any trouble."

It was obvious Lester never treated Reese like she was fragile or different, which probably explained why she could be so cheerful and at ease with herself.

Sylvia felt a pang of guilt-she couldn't help but admire Reese's confidence. Not wanting to dwell on it, she ducked into the car, head down.

As she closed the door, she caught a glimpse of Rupert standing by the curb, his eyes locked on her-cold, intense, as if silently reminding her not to forget what he'd asked of her earlier.

Sylvia pressed her lips together and stared straight ahead. Even as the car pulled away from the hotel, she could still feel his gaze burning into her back.

Her phone buzzed.

Rupert, of course.noveldrama

Wait for me.

Sylvia didn't reply. She shoved the phone back into her purse and turned to the window, watching the city lights blur by.

"What's on your mind?" Lester asked suddenly.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking it's really cold tonight," Sylvia lied, reaching for something, anything, to say.

Lester glanced over, then shrugged off his coat and draped it across her knees. "You look great in that dress, but next time, don't freeze for fashion's sake."

His unexpected kindness left Sylvia awkward and unsure. Was he just being nice, or was there something more behind it? Did he see her as just another pawn in some family scheme, another conquest, or something else entirely?

But then Lester caught her gaze and offered a small, knowing smile. "Honestly, the only thing I'm missing these days is a wife."

Sylvia blinked, caught off guard, then let out a nervous laugh.

Lester's grin widened. "Hey, that fake laugh of yours is getting better."

She realized he was teasing her, trying to lighten the mood.

"Mr. Sanford, I didn't know you could joke around,” she said, finally allowing herself to relax a little.

"Actually, I prefer when you call me 'bro'-it sounds more natural," he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Sylvia bit her lip, not quite sure how to respond. Beneath Lester's coat, she could feel the lingering warmth and the faint scent of his cologne He was nothing like Rupert-Lester's coofness never felt cruel, just... detached. Whatever he said didn't make her feel suffocated?

Sylvia smiled to herself, quietly scolding herself for clinging to the ghosts of her past.

As she tried to shake off the memories, the car pulled up to a red light. Suddenly,

soft tapping sounded against the window-a gentle snowfall had begun.

She turned and watched as flakes drifted down, blanketing the city in white. On the sidewalk, a young couple laughed as the guy scooped the girtinto his arms, spinning her around as the snow fell harder, their outlines blurring in the wintry haze.

Sylvia's heart twisted, and for a moment, she was back in another time-Rupert carrying her out of a burning house, falling to his knees, everything she'd tried to forget flooding back in.

All those questions she'd tried to bury bubbled up again. Why would he kill for her? Why had he let Warren go, for her sake? And why did he say he'd run away with her?

She struggled to keep her emotions in check, but as she stared into the snowy night, she realized she needed answers.

"Stop the car," she blurted.

Lester looked over, surprised. “What's wrong?"

"I just... I need to take care of something. I'll get out up ahead," Sylvia insisted,

voice wavering.

"I'll take you," Lester offered.

"No, it's something I need to do alone," she said, biting her lip.

Lester nodded. "Alright. Take care."

"Thanks."

The car pulled over, and Sylvia slipped out, disappearing into the night.

Back in the car, Lester's assistant, Zion, watched her go, confusion written all over

his face. "Sir, where do you think she's headed?"