Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 583

If Sylvia didn’t still have the keys in her hand, she would’ve thought she’d just barged into someone else’s house by mistake.

A moment later, Reese finally noticed her.

“Sylvia, hey—sorry if we startled you!”

“It’s fine. Make yourselves comfortable, I’ll get you something to drink.”

Sylvia dropped her keys on the entryway table and bent down to pick up the groceries she’d just bought.

Lester walked right over and took the bags from her hands. “Let me help.”

She didn’t object, so the two of them headed into the kitchen together.

Back on the couch, Reese watched them go, then shot a sly smile at Rupert. “That’s the first time I’ve seen my brother actually try to win a woman over.”

Rupert glanced at her, his expression frosty and unreadable. Without a word, he got up and walked toward the kitchen.

Reese bit her lip and reached out, catching at his sleeve, but he slipped away before she could stop him.

All she could do was sit there, watching the kitchen door.

Inside, Sylvia stared at the kettle, her mind wandering.

Lester glanced at her and asked, “Where do you keep your mugs?”

She snapped out of it, just in time to see the water boiling over. She wiped it up quickly and set the kettle back on the base.

When she turned around and saw that Lester hadn’t noticed her little mishap, she breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’ve got it—” she started, but before she could finish the sentence, someone else entered. Rupert walked right over, opened a cabinet, and pulled out a set of mugs and a teapot.

“Here.”

“Thanks.” Lester nodded, reaching for the set, but Rupert didn’t let go.

The two men locked eyes, silently sizing each other up.

Sylvia looked at them, exasperated. “How long are you two planning to stand there holding that?”

Lester glanced at Rupert’s cane and offered a polite smile. “Mr. Rupert, you’ve got your hands full. Why don’t you go relax? I’ll handle the tea.”

Talk about making himself at home.

Lester snagged it away immediately. “I’d rather not see my sister become a widow before she’s even married.”

He’d seen the text thread—he knew Zion was speaking on Lester’s behalf.

Lester leaned casually against the balcony railing and smiled. “For Sylvia’s sake. And for Reese’s.”

“And what makes you think you have the right to do anything for her?”

“Which her do you mean?” Lester shot back coolly.

Rupert’s lighter paused mid-spin.

Lester pressed on, hitting a nerve. “See? You can’t even say her name out loud.”

“I know you want to protect her. But you can’t shield her from everything. So I’m asking you, for her sake—please, stay away.”