Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 530

Orson had barely finished speaking when Rupert came out, closing the door behind him.

The three of them exchanged glances.

Chris grinned. “So, did you get kicked out?”

Rupert frowned. “She’s going to bed.”

Chris tried not to laugh—who’d believe such a lousy excuse?

Rupert shot him a look. “Keep an eye on her. Make sure she stays out of trouble.”

That was all Chris needed to hear to realize Rupert already had most of the picture.

But there was no way Rupert knew about Naomi.

Chris hesitated for a moment, then asked quietly, “What if someone else causes trouble?”

Rupert’s expression turned icy. “The Garcia Group and the Winslet Group are about to sign a deal together. Nothing can go wrong.”

Chris fell silent, simply nodding in response.

Sometimes he admired Rupert’s cool head; sometimes he was stunned by how cold the man could be.

Maybe Sylvia was right.

Rupert was born to be a king—power always came first, love was just something extra, nice if you had it, but not necessary.

Right then, Chris almost felt relieved that Sylvia had gotten out early.

So, he kept quiet about the things he’d done to help her.

…

The next morning.

Sylvia was still asleep when Naomi’s call came through.

“Sylvia, I did what you told me. I called Edwin and told him I was staying at a retreat up in the mountains, that I’d be back in a day or two. But… that man is still harassing me, keeps sending those pictures and demanding money. I can’t take it anymore.”

Naomi’s voice was trembling—she clearly hadn’t slept much the night before either.

“Mom, don’t talk to him. Remember, none of this is your fault. Let me take care of the rest, okay?”

Sylvia had been through this herself in her previous life. She knew how crushing the pressure could be.

She also knew that lecturing Naomi wouldn’t do any good right now.

What Naomi needed most was someone to lean on.

“Sylvia, do you think… do you think Edwin will hate me?” Naomi’s voice broke.

Sylvia wanted to say no, but the image of Kay and Edwin’s wedding from her past life flashed through her mind.

Truth and lies blurred together until her thoughts were a tangled mess.

Right now, all that mattered was keeping Naomi safe.

Two days later.

Sylvia received a text from Kay with an address.

It was a brand-new upscale restaurant, and the message ended with a reminder—dress nicely.

Kay had set her up on a date.

Sylvia arrived right on time.

Next to her was a man, but a large potted plant blocked his face.

As Sylvia drew closer, the man’s features slowly came into view.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and sharp-dressed.

Not exactly handsome, but not ugly either—just something about him felt…off.

And when he looked up at Sylvia, a strange unease hit her in the chest.

Sylvia stopped at the table, keeping her composure. “Mrs. Hanson. Mr. Hanson.”

The Hansons, from the west side of town.