Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 480

Living room.

Everyone else had already left.

Rupert put down his phone and lit a cigarette with a cool indifference.

Tristan turned to look at him. “Was it you who brought Lester here?”

“No.” Rupert’s voice was flat, almost distant. “Didn’t I already do exactly what you asked?”

“You—” Tristan glared, his brow furrowing.

Rupert flicked his ash into the tray, his icy eyes narrowing just a bit. “Dad, don’t get worked up. Take care of yourself.”

With that, he turned and walked off.

Tristan was so furious he nearly lost his footing—thank goodness the butler hurried forward to steady him.

“You alright, sir?”

“That troublemaker can’t be allowed to stay! Go!” Tristan growled, jaw clenched.

“But, Mr. Edwin—” the butler started, clearly anxious.

“Haven’t you heard the saying ‘out with the old, in with the new’? Men are all the same in the end.”

Tristan let out a cold, bitter laugh.

“Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it right away.”

…

On the way back, Sylvia stayed silent, her fingers clenched tightly around her bottle of water.

Suddenly, Lester reached over and gently took the bottle from her hands. He twisted the cap open and handed it back.

“Here. Take a drink. Might help calm your nerves.”

Sylvia nodded and took a sip before realizing she hadn’t thanked him.

“Mr. Sanford, thank you for earlier. But I swear, my mom and I never switched out the real thing for a fake.”

“I believe you,” Lester said quietly, but with conviction.

Sylvia was caught off guard. The words she’d been about to say just melted away.

She managed a small smile.

But the more she smiled, the more bitter she felt inside.

So trust could be this simple? No one rushing to judge her, no accusations right off the bat.

Sylvia lowered her head, her eyes blurring with tears she didn’t want anyone to see.

Lester reached out and gently patted her head. “It’ll be okay. I promise.”

Sylvia wanted to believe that too.

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