Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 569

Sylvia couldn’t help it—she burst out laughing.

Lester saw her laugh, and with a grin, handed her the carton of milk he’d just stuck a straw in. He was laughing too now, the mood infectious.

Meanwhile, outside the door—

Rupert had been standing there for a while, glancing sideways at Orson.

Orson stood rigid and serious, murmuring under his breath, “He had it coming.”

Rupert said nothing, eyes fixed on the door, staring at Sylvia through the glass.

But Sylvia’s gaze was on Lester, her bright eyes reflecting his image in them.

She’d really let Lester into her heart.

She hadn’t immediately said yes to Lester’s confession, but she hadn’t turned him down, either. She didn’t even pull her hand away when he kissed it.

So this is what it feels like to be on the outside, Rupert realized. She was right there—so close—but the bitterness of it made it hard to breathe, just this once. And yet, he’d made her feel this way over and over, disappointment after disappointment.

Why would she choose him, anyway?

Orson stepped in closer, reminding him, “Mr. Rupert, aren’t you going in to clear things up?”

“Let’s go.”

Rupert’s tone was calm, but his fists were clenched so tight the veins stood out, as if he was barely holding something back.

…

A week later.

Sylvia was at her studio when she got a call from the police station.

Yves had been detained. There was no way he’d escape conviction.

But Kay? She was just there to answer some questions—completely unscathed.

The guy who’d died had been labeled the mastermind threatening Naomi.

Sylvia knew the truth wasn’t that simple, but she didn’t have enough evidence to prove it.

It wasn’t until she hung up the phone that she really understood what Edwin had meant by “tie up loose ends” and how vital that was.

“Don’t take it the wrong way, Sylvia, I’ve just got a big mouth,” the woman said, not sounding at all sorry.

That was Fay Langley, the new hire who’d started last week.

She had a bit of a princess complex, but the male coworkers seemed to love it.

Sylvia didn’t really know Fay, but Fay seemed to have it out for her for some reason.

Sylvia even racked her memory for any past-life drama, but nope—she definitely didn’t know this girl.

Fay, growing impatient at Sylvia’s silence, rolled her eyes. “Whatever, forget it.”

“All right, I’ll treat everyone. But don’t expect to meet my boyfriend.”

Fay gave her a loaded look. “Great, I’ll pick the restaurant. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”