Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 516

When Sylvia rushed into the hospital, a flurry of reporters was already spilling out onto the steps, cameras flashing around two people in the center of the crowd.

Rupert and Reese.

Reese clutched a bouquet of red roses, cheeks flushed pink as she tried to avoid the cameras.

One reporter leaned in, mic at the ready. “Ms. Sanford, why were you admitted to the hospital?”

Reese froze, hugging the roses tighter to her chest, and glanced instinctively at Rupert.

Rupert stepped forward, shielding her from the crowd, his tone cool and even. “Nothing serious. Just a check-up, making sure she’s in good health.”

The mention of a check-up, with the wedding just a month away, was enough for everyone to read between the lines.

Another reporter grinned. “So, Mr. Rupert, are we expecting a double celebration soon?”

Rupert didn’t answer, but the little smile on his face was all the confirmation they needed.

Reese felt everyone’s gaze drift toward her stomach, her cheeks burning even brighter.

Once they got in the car, the flashes still stinging her eyes, Reese hid her face in Rupert’s chest with a sigh.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, “I didn’t mean to make things awkward.”

Rupert wrapped his arm around her, blocking out the flashes. “Just give them a story and they’ll stop digging around the hospital.”

Reese relaxed into his embrace, listening to the steady thump of his heart. She couldn’t help but draw closer. She could tell, deep down, that Rupert didn’t dislike her. Maybe after they were married, feelings would grow. Maybe everything would turn out alright.

She squeezed him tighter, hopeful.

As their car rolled past Sylvia, she caught a blurred glimpse of the two embracing in the backseat before she stepped out of the way and headed into the hospital without looking back.

Rupert noticed something, glancing out the window just as the last rays of sunlight slipped beneath the horizon.

The bruises weren’t the worst of it. When Naomi lifted her shirt, Sylvia saw even more—marks and bruises covering her body, hints of something worse lurking beneath the surface.

Sylvia drew in a sharp breath, her mind racing with horrible possibilities. She forced herself to stay calm—she had to keep it together for her mother’s sake.

Gritting her teeth, she gently covered Naomi’s body again and took her hand. “Mom, you need to breathe. Just tell me what happened, okay?”

Naomi clung to her, shaking as she whispered, “Some of the ladies invited me over for a game night. You know how it is—I don’t run things anymore, but you can’t say no to those invitations.”

Sylvia nodded. She understood the rules of their social circle. Declining an invite was the quickest way to get iced out.

“It was just a little poker, gossip, that kind of thing. Nothing special. I’ve played cards with those women a hundred times, nothing’s ever happened before.”

“And then?” Sylvia pressed gently.

Naomi’s lips trembled. “Halfway through the game, Ms. Winslet showed up. She took Mrs. Watson’s place at the table. I had a cup of tea… and then… I don’t remember anything else.”