Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 615

“Useless! And to think I actually wanted to give him a hand!” Kay clenched her fist, her eyes dark with anger. “Edwin, I swear I’ll make you regret this!”

She shot a narrowed look at her assistant, who immediately leaned in to listen.

…

The next morning.

Sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains, scattering soft golden light over the little oak side table by the window, making the room look dreamlike and cozy.

A book lay facedown on the table, giving the air a quiet, bookish charm.

Sylvia blinked to clear her head, slowly realizing she must have crashed at Rupert’s place.

She sat up suddenly, surprised to find herself lying on the bed with no idea when she’d ended up there.

Rupert was nowhere to be seen.

She quickly checked herself—her clothes were only a little wrinkled, nothing out of the ordinary.

The covers were neatly arranged, suggesting Rupert must have put her in bed after she fell asleep.

Relieved, Sylvia straightened her clothes, smoothed her hair, and headed for the door.

She figured Chris would still be around, so it wouldn’t be too awkward. But as she walked into the living room, she found it completely empty.

Just as she was wondering where everyone had gone, Rupert appeared, carrying a plate.

“You’re up?” He cleared his throat, coughing lightly into his fist.

Hearing him cough, Sylvia blurted out, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Rupert set the plate down with his usual calm. “Come eat something.”

“Okay.”

Sylvia’s stomach grumbled—she was actually starving, and she knew from experience that skipping breakfast could leave her feeling faint.

She wasn’t about to pretend she could tough it out and risk passing out somewhere inconvenient.

But as she sat down, she noticed only two plates on the table.

“Where’s Dr. Chris?”

“He had a patient’s condition take a turn, so he left early.” Rupert took a sip of coffee, his cool gaze meeting hers. “You planning to sneak off again?”

Sylvia, halfway up from her chair, froze at being seen right through.

But this sandwich…

Seeing the look on his face was almost too funny, and Sylvia couldn’t help but let a tiny smile slip.

Just a little one—but apparently Rupert caught it.

“It’s that bad?” Rupert said, his tone a little stiff.

“It’s…fine,” Sylvia lied through her teeth.

“Don’t bother. I’ll take you out for breakfast.”

But as soon as she finished speaking, she started choking and couldn’t get another word out.

Before she could react, Rupert was next to her, pulling her gently into his arms, his warm hand rubbing her back.

A jolt of electricity ran through her at his touch, leaving her dazed.

He sounded genuinely worried. “Are you alright? Should I take you to the hospital?”