Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 544

Sylvia stepped out of the bar and headed straight to a private clinic.

She had barely entered the hospital room when Naomi hurled her phone at the white wall.

The device hit with a loud crack, the screen shattering instantly.

Naomi was curled up on the bed, clutching her head in agony. At the noise, she looked up, her eyes red-rimmed and brimming with tears.

It was obvious—she’d just gotten off a video call with Edwin, pretending everything was fine, but someone had clearly threatened her right after.

When Naomi saw Sylvia, she couldn’t hold back anymore. Tears streamed down her face, smudging her carefully done makeup into a mess.

In just three or four days, she’d grown shockingly gaunt. Her cheeks were hollow, her whole appearance worn down.

So this was what Rupert had called “Your mom’s fine now.”

Sylvia hurried over and wrapped her arms around Naomi. “Mom, don’t be scared. You won’t have suffered for nothing.”

Naomi whimpered, trembling as she clung to her daughter.

It was well past midnight before Sylvia finally managed to coax Naomi to sleep.

She slipped out quietly, leaning wearily against the white hallway wall outside the room.

As she tipped her head back with a sigh, a sudden warmth bloomed on her cheek.

Sylvia pressed a hand to her face, startled to see someone standing before her.

“Mr. Sanford? What are you doing here?”

Lester looked her over with concern, frowning. He handed her a carton of milk.

“Drink something. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

The warmth of the milk seeped into her palms, slowly bringing her back to herself.

She nodded gratefully. “Thanks.”

Lester draped his coat over her shoulders, his voice thoughtful. “I leave town for two days, and suddenly someone’s getting married without telling anyone.”

Sylvia blinked in surprise. “How did you find out?”

“Reese called me—three times in one day. Worried someone was going to run off.”

Lester’s gaze lingered on her, intense and searching.

Sylvia took a sip of milk, suddenly unable to meet his eyes.

But she knew, deep down, that nobody could save her but herself.

She gave Lester a grateful look. “Thank you.”

“Let’s go.”

Lester gently guided her down the hallway, his hand steady on her shoulder.

When they got into the car and drove off, Sylvia felt like someone was watching her. She glanced back, but the parking lot was empty.

As their car disappeared around the corner, a man lingered in the shadows, silently smoking a cigarette.

Just then, Orson came down the stairs.

“Mr. Rupert, I’ve arranged for the best doctors to look after Mrs. Naomi.”

“Let’s go.”

Rupert stubbed out his cigarette and got into the car.

By pure coincidence, at the next intersection, Sylvia and Lester’s car stopped at a light—just one lane over from Rupert’s.