Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 537

“Yeah.”

…

Private Clinic.

Sylvia had picked up some of Naomi’s favorite snacks from a little deli on the way over—mini quiches, a slice of apple pie, and a thermos of hot chicken soup.

The bruises on Naomi’s face had faded quite a bit, but she still looked haggard, her eyes shadowed from too many sleepless nights.

“Mom, try to eat something. There’s been some progress,” Sylvia said, setting the food out on the bedside table.

At the mention of progress, Naomi finally looked up, a flicker of hope in her tired eyes.

“Sylvia, did you find that man?”

“Not yet, but we’re getting close.” Sylvia handed her a fork, her tone gentle. “Mom, can I ask you something?”

Naomi nodded weakly. “Go ahead.”

“If Bridget hadn’t gotten into trouble, and she kept coming after me, what would you have done?”

Naomi’s hand trembled so hard she nearly dropped the fork, eyes watering.

“Sylvia, do you think I’m useless too?” Her voice cracked. “Honestly, when I saw everything you went through, I wanted to confront Bridget myself. If it wasn’t for Edwin talking me down, I might have done something stupid.”

“Edwin? What did he say?” Sylvia tried to sound casual as she poured soup into Naomi’s mug, but she was hanging on every word.

She didn’t dare push too hard, not wanting Naomi to worry.

Naomi sipped the soup, gathering herself before she spoke. “Edwin only found out later that Bridget once saved Rupert’s life. That’s why Rupert kept giving her chance after chance.”

“Thing is, men never really understand women. But I do. Bridget always acted so high and mighty, but deep down? She was just trying to survive—no way would she risk her neck for Rupert. I knew something was off.”

“I wanted to dig into it, but before I could, Bridget got into trouble, and then Reese showed up. That’s when everything started coming to light, so I let it go.”

Sylvia’s hands slipped; the box of mini quiches crashed to the floor, soup splattering all over her jeans and burning her skin.

There could only be one reason: he wanted to protect Reese.

That’s why Rupert said nothing.

So Sylvia was left drowning in guilt—losing her mother, then her own daughter.

In the end, she’d taken her own life.

And Reese? She never appeared, her hands clean as ever.

Just like now—a little princess, cherished by everyone.

A wave of dizziness hit Sylvia, and she collapsed backward.

“Sylvia!”