Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 524

Just as Chris had said, Kay had to be something special to carve out a place for herself in a world dominated by men. No one could survive that kind of environment without some serious skills.

So when Sylvia showed up at Kay’s office waving her so-called “evidence,” let’s be real—it was practically walking into the lion’s den.

But truthfully? She was baiting the trap.

The worse off she looked, the more likely Kay would believe Sylvia was at the end of her rope.

From the way Kay spoke to Edwin, Sylvia could tell Kay was proud—maybe even a little arrogant. She had zero interest in getting into a petty catfight with Naomi, and she’d never stoop so low as to beg Edwin for a second chance.

Kay wanted people to beg her.

Especially when she got to play god, dangling other people’s fates in her hands.

Still, Naomi was Mrs. Garcia—the Garcia family’s matriarch. No matter how talented Kay was, picking a fight with Naomi was just another way of declaring war on the Garcias themselves.

Kay probably wouldn’t dare.

Unless, of course, she had someone powerful backing her up.

And sure enough, it didn’t take long to find out who. Sylvia just hadn’t expected her supporters to be Tristan and Rupert.

They’d gone all-out, scheming behind the scenes to force her hand.

Well, if that’s how they wanted to play it, then let the games begin.

She had nothing left to lose anyway.

But there was still a question that haunted her: In her previous life, was Naomi and Edwin’s “accident” really just a car crash, like Rupert always claimed?

The thought of that accident made Sylvia’s chest ache, sharp as a needle.

Lost in thought, Sylvia glanced up and saw Chris watching her intently.

“Something on your mind?” he asked.

Chris was about to argue Rupert’s case when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, eyes widening in surprise, and hurried out of the room without another word.

Moments later, Edwin came in with a manila folder in hand.

“Sylvia, feeling any better?” he asked.

“Yeah, it doesn’t hurt as much now,” she replied, forcing herself to sit up so Edwin wouldn’t worry.

He rushed to steady her. “Careful. Hey, have you heard from your mom? I haven’t been able to reach her all day.”

Sylvia swallowed, feigning surprise. “She didn’t tell you? She thinks I’ve been having terrible luck lately, so she went up to St. Mary’s Chapel to light some candles for me. Probably just bad cell service up there. I’ll have her send you a text when she gets back.”

“Oh, thank God. You know your mom—she gets lost on her way to the grocery store. I was worried sick.”

Edwin smiled, the lines around his eyes softening, and absently traced the crescent-shaped scar on the back of his hand—a souvenir from years ago, when Naomi had gotten lost hiking in the mountains. Edwin had rescued her, and that scar was a reminder of how quickly everything could change.