Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 584

Rupert flicked his lighter, feeling the heat from the tiny flame.

Hearing that kind of talk from another man was pretty ironic.

He let out a short, cold laugh, his expression hardening.

Lester didn’t seem to care. He went on, “The Garcia family’s power web is a mess. Sure, you’ve taken over a good chunk, but Tristan still holds the rest. If you want to control the whole Garcia family, it’s gonna take time. But, let’s be honest, Tristan only needs one move to have you dancing in his palm.”

Like, say, Sylvia.

At that, the lighter in Rupert’s hand snapped shut. The metal was burning hot against his palm, like he’d just grabbed a handful of needles.

Lester didn’t linger on the Garcia mess. He just clapped Rupert on the shoulder.

“Look, I’m only here because of my sister. I don’t want her getting herself in trouble. If she does, you won’t just owe her your life—things’ll get a whole lot messier.”

Everyone knew that what Reese had said earlier wasn’t just her losing her cool—it was a bunch of pent-up feelings finally bursting out.

With that, Lester left the balcony.

Rupert lit a cigarette, but didn’t smoke it—just let it burn out between his fingers.

…

Kitchen.

Sylvia waited for the kettle to boil, washing fresh veggies in the sink.

Just as the kettle started to whistle, she was about to make some tea when she heard a familiar voice.

“I’ll get it.”

It was Reese.

Sylvia just hummed and kept her head down, focused on the veggies.

Behind her, Reese scooped some loose-leaf tea into mugs.

“Sylvia, am I just… the worst?”

“No, don’t overthink it.” Sylvia didn’t even pause her chopping, like she hadn’t really registered the question.

“Sorry, I don’t even know what’s gotten into me,” Reese mumbled, sounding defeated.

Sylvia, distracted, tore off a whole handful of lettuce.

“Reese, you’re seriously overthinking this.” She brushed the moment off with a smile.

Not wanting Reese to notice, she quickly turned to the sink and pretended to wash her hands.

“No need, really. If you guys like them, that’s all that matters. Just doing my job.”

“Nope, you have to accept it. Hang on, I’ll go grab it.”

Reese hurried out, grabbed her purse, and came back in.

She started digging through her bag, but lost her grip and it tumbled to the floor. A box popped open, spilling its contents everywhere.

Hearing the crash, Sylvia forgot about her sore hand and knelt to help pick things up.

That’s when she realized—the floor was scattered with all kinds of pills.

Honestly, Sylvia had been in and out of the hospital a lot lately, but she’d never seen so much medication in her life.

“These are all yours?” she blurted out, shocked.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked,” Sylvia said quietly, feeling guilty for bringing up bad memories.