Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 626

After that whole scene with Chris and Zion, the flirty vibe in the car was completely dead.

Even if Lester tried to pick things up where they left off, Sylvia was too distracted—her mind was stuck on that ridiculous fish incident.

Thankfully, Lester was the considerate type and tried to lighten the mood with a grin.

“Feeling any better?”

“Yeah.” Sylvia let out a laugh, half amused and half exasperated.

When they got to her building, Lester’s phone rang—work. He didn’t walk her upstairs.

On the drive back, Zion glanced at Lester in the rearview.

“Boss, Chris’s call was clearly on purpose. If someone was really mad, they’d call me, not you. Bet you anything Mr. Rupert’s pulling the strings. Why didn’t you explain it to Ms. Lloyd?”

Lester just smiled, calm as ever. “You think Sylvia doesn’t know? Sometimes it’s easier to just laugh things off. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff.”

Zion frowned. “Wait—so I’m the joke here?”

Lester shot him a look. Figure it out yourself.

Zion zipped it and focused on the road.

***

Back at her place, Sylvia was just about to close her apartment door when a hand shot out, stopping it.

The glint of a wedding ring said it all. A silent reminder—one she really didn’t need right now.

She slammed the door shut, leaning her whole body against it.

Outside, the man hesitated, then knocked twice.

“Open the door.”

His voice was tight, not the usual icy calm—almost uncertain.

Sylvia stared up at the ceiling, silent. She thought she’d gotten her emotions under control, but just hearing him sent everything spinning again.

It was suffocating, like she was stuck in the same whirlpool, round and round, grabbing for a lifeline that kept slipping out of reach.

She held her breath, and even through the thick wood, she could hear his steady, low breathing.

Rupert took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “Where are you hurt?”

“Put me down! You’re hurting me!” Sylvia squirmed, feeling his grip dig into her waist.

She fought back, swinging her injured hand at him.

Rupert caught her wrist, his gaze flicking to her bandaged hand and the tiny spot of blood seeping through.

He paused, his voice softening. “Did you hurt your hand?”

“None of your business!” Sylvia tried to yank her hand free, but he wouldn’t let go.

Rupert frowned at the bleeding bandage. “Your hand’s bleeding. Let me fix it.”

“I said I don’t need your help.” Sylvia tried to pry his fingers off.

Rupert sighed, exasperated. “Let me rewrap it, and then I’ll go. Or we can just stand here all night.”

“You—”