Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 599

“You know Fay that well?” Rupert stared out the car window, his chiseled profile colder and more distant than ever.

“Yeah. We went to high school together. Known her for years,” Reese replied.

“Then you should know she’s not exactly a genius. Naomi showing up today—what do you think that was about?”

Rupert’s voice was soft, but it landed heavy on Reese’s heart.

Her throat tightened. A name almost slipped out, but she swallowed it back.

Kay.

Rupert narrowed his eyes at her, his tone icy. “I don’t care how she meddles in the Sanford family’s business, but from now on, she better remember who she is and stay out of Garcia family matters.”

Reese’s face paled. She was about to mumble an answer, but caught a glimpse of Rupert twisting his wedding band on his finger.

It hit her—ever since he started wearing that ring, he’d fidget with it when he was tense.

She swallowed her words and just nodded.

Silence fell over the car again, until Rupert’s phone rang.

He answered, his expression shifting as he glanced at Orson. “Drive to the hospital.”

Reese’s nerves spiked. “Mr. Rupert, what happened?”

Rupert’s brow furrowed. “My father’s been admitted.”

***

Hospital.

When Tristan woke up, Rupert was sitting at his bedside, peeling an apple with precise, practiced hands.

“Should I call a doctor?” Rupert asked, eyes still on the apple.

Tristan waved him off, then looked to the butler at the end of the bed.

Tristan’s face flushed. He clutched his chest, grimacing. “You trying to give me a heart attack?”

Rupert merely twirled the paring knife in his hand, cool as ever. “Enough with the games. Just say what you mean.”

“Him with Kay, you married to Reese—that’s the only way this all works out.”

“Rupert, your mother was the love of my life. You’re our only son. Would I ever steer you wrong?”

At the mention of his mother, Rupert’s eyes flashed with a cold, sharp light.

“Edwin and Kay broke up because of Naomi? Is that the truth?”

“All these years, Edwin’s chosen to stay on the edge of the Garcia family instead of getting involved. Is it really because he lacks ambition?”