Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

The table was quiet for a long moment.

Sylvia stared at the man across from her, trying to figure out if he was joking.

But before she could say anything, the restaurant manager rushed over, looking flustered.

"I'm so sorry, our server mixed up the table numbers. This is table 26."

Sylvia immediately glanced over her shoulder at the man waiting at table 27 behind her.

Biting her lip in embarrassment, she turned back to the man in front of her. "Sorry, sir, total mix-up. Hope you have... a good date."

One look at his tailored suit and expensive watch told her he was way out of her league and definitely not someone she wanted to mess with.

She got up quickly and moved to the correct table, apologizing to her client as she sat down.

Just as she settled in, a woman dressed head-to-toe in the latest designer fashion slid into the seat Sylvia had just vacated.

The woman didn't waste a second. "You look alright, but honestly, I've got more than a few millionaires chasing me. Unless you're offering at least a million bucks, don't even bother."

Sylvia couldn't help herself; she pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. Judging by that man's watch alone, he could buy and sell this woman five times over. Clearly, she didn't know what she was looking at.

As Sylvia tried to stifle her amusement, she noticed the man's gaze briefly flicker her way. She quickly straightened up and focused on pitching her new design to her client.

Meanwhile, at table 26...

The man listened to the woman rattle off her "marriage requirements," his expression icy. Then, without a word, he waved his hand in front of her face as if shooing away a fly.

The woman, affronted, touched her cheek. "Excuse me? I know I look good, but I'm not just a pretty face="

He cut her off, sounding bored. "You're blocking my view."

She huffed. "No wonder you're still single. What a waste of time."

With that, she grabbed her purse and stormed off, not looking back.

Sylvia, meanwhile, was deep into her presentation, hardly paying attention to the drama at the next table. She was explaining the details of her latest jewelry collection, her nerves settling as she got into the flow.

The man at table 26, however, found himself listening to her voice—a clear, soothing sound that stood out in the morning bustle. He signaled the waiter for another cup of coffee and settled in.

A little while later, Sylvia and her client finalized the last design. She watched her client leave, then began packing up her sketches. Just as she was about to go, the man at table 26 raised his coffee mug in her direction.

"Care to join me for breakfast?"

She hesitated, giving him a wry smile. "Sorry, I don't eat with people I don't like."

He raised an eyebrow. "How about as an apology?"

Right on cue, her stomach growled loudly. There was no hiding it, and refusing now would just make her look petty.

She sighed. "Fine. Thanks."

They ordered breakfast-Sylvia went for pancakes and fresh fruit, the

man for a classic American breakfast with eggs and bacon. He set down his coffee and offered his hand.

"Lester Sanford."

Sylvia paused. Sanford? Of all the people. Lately, it seemed like everyone giving

her trouble had that last name.

She smiled faintly. "Sylvia Lloyd."

Lester watched her for a long moment, his gaze unreadable.

"Ms. Lloyd, you're a jewelry designer, right?"

"Yep."

"Would it be possible for a client to make a slightly unusual request?" Lester leaned forward, folding his hands under his chin, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Sylvia nearly choked on her orange juice. She took a breath, trying to compose herself.

He passed her a glass of milk, voice gentle. "Take your time."

She took a few sips before replying. "If you're about to ask me on a date, I'm not interested in matchmaking."noveldrama

He chuckled, low and easy. "Nothing like that. just need a plus-one for a business event tomorrow. I may have just offended the woman my aunt set me up with. Would you help me out?"

"That's it?" Sylvia tried not to look too eager-holiday bonuses didn't just fall from the sky, after all.

"That's it. If you're worried, we can draw up a contract right now."

She grinned, all business. "What's your budget? My design fees aren't exactly cheap."

He held up a finger. "One million."

The exact number the other woman had demanded. Sylvia immediately

understood he knew she'd overheard.

But who was she to turn down that kind of money?

She played it cool, texting her assistant to send over an e-contract. Just in case,

she also hit record on her phone.

Unbeknownst to her, Lester

noticed—and didn't seem to mind.

He'd only wanted someone

presentable to take to the event net

someone who wouldn't embarrass him. Plus, maybe his relatives would finally stop trying to set him up.

At least for a little while.