Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 540

Sylvia walked into the private lounge with her pretty-boy date on her arm.

They’d barely sat down before he eagerly flagged down the server and ordered a bottle of champagne—something top-shelf, running close to five grand.

He probably had some kind of deal going with the club: the more he ordered, the bigger his cut. While placing the order, he shot Sylvia a sneaky glance, clearly trying to gauge if she was loaded.

Sylvia caught his look and smiled—a sultry, knowing smile that could melt hearts.

“One bottle? That’s it? Are you really only planning to spend one bottle’s worth of time with me?”

The words had a teasing, almost scandalous undertone. She felt her cheeks flush, but thankfully, the dim lighting hid her embarrassment.

This was one of Eloise’s tricks—she’d said the best way to reel a man in was to beat him to the punch, say what he was thinking before he could.

Sure enough, the pretty boy seemed entranced, inching closer, eyes locked on hers.

He gave her his best smolder, dropping his voice low. “Of course not. Even if there wasn’t any champagne, my whole night belongs to you, miss.”

Sylvia couldn’t help it—she laughed out loud. His voice had a weird, bubbly quality to it, like he had permanent hiccups. Definitely not the kind of deep, velvety tone she was used to.

Her smile faltered for a split second as an old memory flickered, but she pushed it aside.

Just then, the pretty boy reached for her hand, clearly about to lean in for a kiss.

Sylvia smoothly pulled her hand back and slid the menu over to him. “Order whatever you like.”

“Thank you, miss. Let me suggest a bottle that’ll make this night unforgettable.” He gave her a loaded look.

They scanned each other’s profiles, and Sylvia set her phone on the coffee table. The glow from his screen lit up his greedy expression as he scrolled through her photos.

He gawked. “Wait, you know Bailey? Who are all these people—are they celebrities?”

She made it sound effortless, as if none of it really mattered.

Everyone knew Bailey was surrounded by rich men, always generous, always a good time. What gold-digger wouldn’t want an introduction?