Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 536

Sylvia watched Rupert walk away, his figure growing smaller with each step. Her eyes went cold, but her face showed no surprise. She tilted her head up at the overcast sky, letting out a bitter smile that looked pale even to herself.

Well, it all happened just as she expected.

Back in her previous life, Naomi and Edwin’s car crash had to be linked to this partnership. Rupert had lied to her, saying the crash happened because Naomi and Edwin were helping her dig up dirt on Bridget. But that was just a distraction—a way to keep her from noticing the real story.

She never realized that the mysterious husband Kay married was actually Edwin. She didn’t catch on to how, right after the accident, Rupert started a big business venture with Kay.

Looking back, the clues were all there. Bridget had never mentioned the accident to her, and with Bridget’s two-faced personality—sweet in public, vicious in private—she would have jumped at the chance to rub Sylvia’s nose in it. But Sylvia had been too consumed by the image of Naomi’s broken body, unable to sleep, barely holding it together.

The only things keeping her going were her hatred for Bridget…and Stella.

But in the end, Stella died too.

It was only now Sylvia realized: her whole life had been built on one big lie.

She took a deep breath, tore her gaze from the gray sky, and walked away.

…

The Parking Lot.

The car door was flung open. Reese clung to it, struggling to catch her breath.

Rupert steadied her, pushing a handful of pills into her mouth.

A few moments later, color returned to Reese’s cheeks. She leaned against Rupert, reaching for him and hugging him tight.

“Sorry,” she murmured, “I left my purse in your car and didn’t realize until I needed my meds.”

“Want me to take you to the hospital?”

“No, please. I’ve spent enough time in hospitals. Just let me stay like this for a minute, okay?” Reese’s eyes were pleading.

Rupert nodded, settling into the backseat and letting her rest against him.

“Alright,” Rupert said coolly, pulling his hand from hers.

Reese stared at her empty palm, biting her lip. “You seem awfully concerned about…Yves’s wedding.”

Reese moved closer. “Yves might look rough, but he’s a good guy. If he and Sylvia really like each other—”

“You should head home. It’s cold out,” Rupert cut her off. Clearly, he didn’t want to talk about it anymore.

Reese hesitated, then managed a small smile. “Alright.”

Rupert got out of the car.

Reese rolled down the window and called after him, “Hey, Rupert! The wedding dresses I picked out just arrived. Will you come with me to check them out?”