Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 577

Lester shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. “You’ve had a few drinks, so don’t stand out here in the cold. Let me drive you home.”

Sylvia smiled and shook her head. “That’s sweet, but what about Reese?”

“She’ll be fine—she’s got Mr. Rupert with her,” Lester said, nodding toward the parking lot.

Sylvia glanced over. Sure enough, Reese was waving goodbye, her arm hooked around Rupert’s. Fay trailed along after them, looking a bit awkward.

Out of politeness, Sylvia lifted her hand in return. Just then, a chilly gust blew straight at her, making her sway on her feet.

Lester reached out and steadied her. “You alright?”

Sylvia shook her head with a little laugh. “I’m fine, really.”

“Come on, don’t play tough.” Lester leaned in, his voice low and gentle. “My car’s right over there.”

She nodded, not arguing this time, letting him guide her away.

As they turned to leave, Sylvia could feel someone’s eyes on her—a gaze sharp and unreadable, lingering like a shadow. She didn’t look back. She just slipped into Lester’s car and let the night close behind them.

***

On the other side of the lot, Reese tugged on Rupert’s arm. “Mr. Rupert, it’s freezing. Can we go?”

“Fay’s car got towed, so she’s catching a ride with us,” Rupert said, his voice cool and distant.

He barely looked at Reese as he slid into the driver’s seat. Fay followed nervously, her steps tentative, as if she were walking on thin ice.

The car didn’t pull away immediately. Reese was about to ask why when Orson, Rupert’s assistant, got in.

He turned to Rupert, giving a respectful nod. “Sir, the staff took care of it.”

Reese frowned. “What staff?”

Rupert’s expression didn’t change. “Someone who didn’t understand their place. Not worth keeping around.”

Reese didn’t really get it, but Fay was shaking beside her, barely holding it together.

As soon as the car stopped, Fay muttered a hasty goodbye and bolted.

Once she got home, she jabbed at her phone and called someone in a rush.

Sylvia burst out laughing, pointing at the two of them. “Oh, that’s priceless.”

Lester watched her, a warm smile on his face. “You know, you have a really great laugh.”

“I look good when I’m not laughing, too,” Sylvia shot back, finally relaxing.

Lester nodded solemnly. “Absolutely. Can’t argue with that.”

“I was joking,” she said, still grinning.

“I wasn’t,” Lester replied, turning to meet her gaze.

Sylvia looked away, suddenly unsure what to say, but the air in the car was cozy and light, wrapping around them like a soft blanket.

When they reached her apartment, Lester insisted on walking her upstairs. Maybe it was the easy vibe between them, but Sylvia didn’t say no.

As the elevator doors slid open, just as they stepped out, someone suddenly appeared in front of them and sprayed something straight at Lester’s face.