Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

He raised a hand to take a drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his lips like a mask, concealing his expression.

In the quiet standoff, Sylvia felt her heart skip a beat. She curled her fingers, forcing herself to stay calm.

Rupert lowered his gaze and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. "Let her go."

Sylvia withdrew her gaze, focusing on the water droplets trickling down the leaves of a houseplant. Her voice was cold. "Rupert, thanks for your help, but I won't need it anymore."

Rupert paused, his fingers hovering over the ashtray, eyes fixed on the figure disappearing down the street.

It wasn't until the phone buzzed behind him on the couch that his thoughts were interrupted.noveldrama

Bailey.

"Still alive?"

"Not dead yet," Rupert replied, his tone icy.

"You really are something else. You were right; someone's finally made a move. Your little niece must be worried sick by now."

Bailey's voice was teasing, as she fiddled with her manicured nails.

Rupert pinched the bridge of his nose. "She's just distanced herself from me."

Bailey laughed heartily. "Maybe you should just give in to me instead. I'd take good care of you."

"No thanks."

"Ha!" Bailey chuckled. "You'd love that, but she ran off! Serves you right for being so stubborn!"

"She won't get far."

"I should applaud you for that one. The great Mr. Rupert, resorting to chasing after someone? Maybe you should toughen up your skin a bit."

"Keep an eye out. I'm hanging up."

After ending the call, Rupert took a couple of sips of his tea and made his way to the liquor cabinet, selecting the strongest bottle he could find.

Sylvia returned to Naomi's place, where the couple had been lounging together, enjoying a bowl of fruit. Seeing her come in, they awkwardly shifted apart.

Edwin quickly asked, "Is Rupert alright?"

Sylvia slung her bag over her shoulder. "He'll survive."

Naomi leaned in, holding her hand. "Survive? Is it that serious? Aren't you staying? Where are you going?"

"Mom, have you forgotten? I can't

stay

back." Sylvia turneet

Tea at the Garcia estate

I'm

swnovel

Naomi wanted to persuade her to stay, but Edwin interrupted.

"Sylvia, be careful on your way. Let your mom know when you've made it home."

"I will."

Sylvia left the Garcia Manor while the sky was still light.

Back at her apartment, she collapsed onto the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Her mind was a mess.

Warren's situation had shown her that she might not even be able to trust the memories of her past life.

Without any identity or advantages

and

even her past experiences

possibly being illusions, she was

unsure about her future path.

swnovel

And why was Rupert helping her in secret?

Sylvia rubbed her temples, just wanting to close her eyes for a moment. Then the doorbell rang.

It must be the food delivery she ordered on the way home.

She got up and opened the door, only to find an unexpected figure standing there.

Upon recognizing the face, Sylvia immediately tried to shut the door.

But the man pressed his hand against it, his voice firm. "Open the door."

Sylvia gritted her teeth. "Rupert, I

think

ove made things clear

going

enough! From now on, we're our separate ways!" swnovel

He looked at her, a storm brewing in his eyes. "Is that so?"

As he spoke, he applied more pressure against the door.

Sylvia pushed back harder.

Somehow, with just a little shove, the nearly six-foot-three man stumbled 'helplessly' against the wall.

Rupert grunted, reaching for his back, then extended his hand, stained with a bit

of blood, toward Sylvia.

"The wound reopened. You're responsible, Sylvia."

"..."

Unbelievable!