Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 616

Go to the hospital?

Sylvia snapped out of her daze and quickly grabbed Rupert’s arm, swallowing hard. “No, no, I’m fine. No need for a hospital. I just need some water.”

Going to the hospital would be way too embarrassing.

Rupert didn’t argue. He just led her over to the kitchen island, poured a glass of warm water, and held it to her lips.

Sylvia blinked in surprise. “I can do it myself.”

That’s when she realized he was still holding her hand.

She tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.

He slowly lifted his gaze, locking eyes with her.

His stare was intense—burning, almost possessive.

But after a moment, the emotion in his eyes faded, and he just looked at her, heavy and unreadable, before finally loosening his hold, his fingers stiff like he was forcing himself to let go.

Sylvia’s chest tightened. She forced herself to take the glass calmly.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” Rupert replied, taking a couple of steps back and leaning against the counter, his eyes dropping, his voice tinged with a barely-there self-mockery.

Sylvia stared down at her water, not sure what to say.

Rupert pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “So, have you picked a college yet?”

“I decided on…” Sylvia named the school Lester had suggested for her.

Besides wanting to untangle herself from Rupert, she’d thought it through. The tuition wasn’t outrageous, and the new programs actually fit her future plans better.

Dreams were nice and all, but reality was reality.

Hundreds of thousands in debt just wasn’t something she could handle.

“You must really like him, huh?”

Rupert paused with his lighter, then lit his cigarette. The tip glowed red, smoke curling between them, his eyes swimming with emotions Sylvia couldn’t read.

The next thing she knew, he was right in front of her, leaning in, his sharp features coming into focus.

His presence was overwhelming.

Sylvia had wanted to explain, but seeing him like this, she just didn’t see the point.

He’d always liked to control her.

“So what, you’re going to pressure me again? Is that all you’ve got, Mr. Rupert? Well, let me tell you, I’m not going to regret my decision—ever!”

She pretty much shouted that last part.

Her words echoed in the air between them. Rupert didn’t move, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed, his eyes dark and unreadable—but then he gave a little laugh, lips curled.

“Suit yourself.”

“….”

Given that he’d saved her yesterday, Sylvia relented. “I’ll make something else.”

“Work’s been nuts lately. I forgot to have anyone do the grocery run. The fridge is empty,” Rupert explained.

“Want me to ask Orson to bring some stuff?”

“He’s tied up right now. Can’t make it.”

How convenient.

Sylvia eyed Rupert suspiciously.

He just picked up the bottle of medicine Chris had left behind and said in a low voice, “Take these after you eat.”

There wasn’t much left to figure out.

“I’ll order some takeout.”

“Chris left a note—no junk food with the meds,” Rupert said, tapping the box.

Who even knows what’s in half that delivery food anyway?

Sylvia pursed her lips. “Okay, okay. I’ll cook.”

She pulled out her phone and opened her grocery app.