Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 507

“Yeah.” Rupert replied in a low, even tone.

After that, everyone except Sylvia exchanged greetings.

Finally, Naomi nudged Sylvia with her elbow and whispered, “Come on, at least say hi.”

Sylvia shifted awkwardly. “But I don’t even know him. How am I supposed to say hi?”

She’d kept her voice down, but the group wasn’t standing far apart—everyone heard her loud and clear.

Across from her, Rupert’s expression darkened.

Sylvia wished she could melt into the floor.

Lester leaned down and murmured quietly, “Just go by family titles.”

“Okay.” Sylvia gave a look that said, ‘Fine, you’re the boss,’ then turned to Rupert. “Uncle Rupert.”

Her eyes were clear, cool—neither friendly nor hostile.

Her tone was polite, a little distant, with the kind of respect you’d give an elder at a Thanksgiving dinner you barely knew.

Rupert’s jaw tightened. “You just do whatever people tell you?”

Sylvia blinked, confused, and pointed at Lester. “He’s not just people.”

Rupert’s eyes narrowed, cold as a Chicago winter.

Sylvia felt a chill crawl down her back and instinctively stepped a little closer to Lester.

She could have sworn she glimpsed a flash of self-mockery in Rupert’s eyes, but maybe she’d imagined it.

Lester lifted his hand, shielding Sylvia almost protectively, and said with a calm firmness, “Mr. Rupert, Sylvia and I have some things to take care of. We’ll be heading out.”

Sylvia followed Lester as they left.

As they brushed past Rupert, she felt something ghost over the back of her hand.

She wouldn’t have thought twice about it, but there was a strange sensation—just for a moment.

She didn’t hesitate, just tossed her hair back and hurried after Lester.

Once they turned the corner, Sylvia glanced over her shoulder.

She saw Reese and Rupert walking away in the opposite direction, fingers intertwined.

Their rings glinted, the metal catching the light where their hands met—like two threads of fate tied together.

“Sylvia?” Lester called from inside the elevator.

“Coming!” she replied, hurrying to join him.

As the elevator doors closed, Rupert suddenly stopped and turned around.

But Sylvia didn’t see it.

She sighed and headed inside, surprised to find someone waiting for her.

“Aunt Kay? What are you doing here?”

Kay Winslet gave her a quick hug, but her eyes darted over Reese’s shoulder, searching. “Where’s Mr. Rupert? He didn’t come in with you?”

“He went back to the office.”

Reese sat down and poured herself a cup of coffee.

But before she could take a sip, Kay grabbed her arm.

“You two are getting married, and he’s running off to work? On New Year’s Eve, no less?”

“Aunt Kay, Mr. Rupert’s always busy. I can’t just ask him to drop everything for me.”

Reese gently pulled her arm free and took a careful sip.

Kay frowned. “Reese, I’m only looking out for you. Do you know how many women would kill to be in your shoes?”

Reese shrugged it off. “If Mr. Rupert said he’ll marry me, he will. He’s not the kind of man to go back on his word.”

Kay’s face grew serious. “Then tell me honestly—one thing.”

“What is it?”

She lowered her voice. “Has he… ever even touched you?”