Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 551

“What do you think?” Rupert Garcia caught her hand, his gaze darkening. “Keep your hands to yourself.”

“Oh, come on. Who’s watching?” Sylvia Lloyd rose up on her toes, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Almost at the same time, Rupert gently gripped her chin, pulling her closer. His laughter rumbled low in his throat.

“Sylvia, your acting’s finally improving, but do you really think I care if anyone sees?”

Before she could reply, he kissed her.

Sylvia froze, then blurted out, “Ms. Sanford.”

Rupert stopped, letting her go.

Sylvia was caught between laughing and crying. She brushed his lapel, smoothing it out. “Mr. Rupert, you’ve got hair on your jacket.”

She looked up at him with a smile, her tone light but edged. “Mr. Rupert, if you can’t give someone everything, maybe don’t get involved at all. Otherwise… well, you never know what people might do when they’re pushed to the edge.”

She took advantage of Rupert’s momentary surprise, pushed past him, and slipped out of the stairwell.

Just as she reached the door to the VIP lounge, Lester Sanford and Reese Sanford were stepping out.

Reese paused, eyebrows raised. “Sylvia, are you okay? You look awful.”

Sylvia wanted to say she was fine, but her composure was crumbling. She stood there awkwardly, twisting her hands together.

Reese seemed to notice, glancing down—and caught sight of something on Sylvia’s sleeve, her expression flickering.

Before she could say anything, Lester reached out and covered Sylvia’s arm with his hand.

“Let’s get you some fresh air.”

Reese nodded, stepping aside. “You two go ahead. I’ll wait for Mr. Rupert.”

Sylvia pressed her lips together, barely managing to hold back her discomfort as she turned and headed outside with Lester.

Once they were out, she finally noticed some tobacco shreds clinging to her sleeve.

She looked at Lester, flustered. “This is just—”

Lester cut her off with a gentle smile. “Sylvia, I’m not here to interrogate you. I just don’t think Yves Hanson is someone you should get mixed up with. There’s something off about him.”

Sylvia took a breath, gathering her courage. “And what about Ms. Winslet? Don’t you find her a little… weird?”

Sylvia looked up sharply, catching his gaze.

Sylvia parted her lips, about to speak, when footsteps sounded. She immediately stepped back, polite and composed.

Reese appeared, her arm looped through Rupert’s, chatting with Kay as they exited.

He didn’t say much, just exchanged a few perfunctory words before ushering Mrs. Hanson out.

He didn’t spare Sylvia a single word, as though they were only there for Reese’s wedding dress fitting.

Sylvia didn’t bother engaging with them, just watched them leave, and turned to go herself.

“I’ll walk you out,” Lester offered.

Sylvia nodded. “Thanks.”

She followed Lester outside, but couldn’t shake the feeling of someone’s eyes lingering on her, heavy and unrelenting.