Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia spun around, only to find herself cornered by a shadowy figure.

Rupert stood there, twirling a towel in his hands, his slightly tousled hair giving him an irresistibly roguish charm.

Before she could process the situation or even think of an escape plan, she was pulled into the embrace of a strong chest.

Any attempt to explain herself evaporated as Rupert captured her words in a teasing, feather-light kiss.

His touch was gentle, as if she were made of glass, so tender that it left Sylvia feeling more unsteady than ever, her defenses crumbling as she forgot to push

him away.

With his lips brushing against hers, he murmured softly, "Boyfriend?"

"I lied-"

"Shut up," he commanded, cutting off her confession before it could fully form.

The kiss deepened slowly, deliberately, making the world around her spin.

Sylvia's mind went blank, as if time had paused, yet inside she was a whirlwind of emotions.

Suddenly, she managed to push Rupert away, only to be interrupted by an unexpected sneeze.

"Achoo!"

Rupert narrowed his eyes at her, his expression unreadable, before he turned and headed inside the house.

Sylvia slipped off her shoes and wrapped her coat tighter around her, following him indoors.

Emerging from the bathroom, Rupert ordered, "Go take a bath."

With her nose already starting to run, Sylvia didn't argue, heading straight for the warm, waiting bathroom.

The room was cozy, the tub filling with steaming water.noveldrama

She paused, watching the water cascade, pondering Rupert's unexpected kindness.

"Achoo."

Another sneeze jolted her, and she quickly shed her coat, stepping towards the inviting bath.

As she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, the memory of the awkward moment resurfaced, prompting her to sink into the warm water, leaving only her injured hand resting on the edge of the tub.

The heat seeped into her bones, chasing away the lingering chill.

Thinking of Rupert waiting outside, she knew she needed to clarify the situation with the Garcia family.

She had no desire to be caught in the crossfire between Rupert and Warren.

Dressed and ready, she emerged from the bathroom to find Rupert changing into fresh clothes brought by Orson, his back turned to ber as he buttoned his shirt.

Just as she was about to speak, his phone rang.

Without noticing her, he moved to the window to take the call.

"Bridget."

"What do you need now?"

"I'll send it over shortly."

Watching Rupert cater to Bridget's requests, Sylvia hesitated, the warmth in her cheeks fading as uncertainty gripped her.

Unsure of how to approach him when he turned around, she retreated back into the foggy sanctuary of the bathroom.

The mist cloaked her slender form, providing a temporary refuge.

Outside, Rupert's voice drifted in snippets, eventually giving way to the sound of the door closing.

Sylvia bit her lip, her mind a swirl of confusion and cold resolve.

At the Simpson household, Bridget perked up at the sound of a car pulling in and rushed outside to greet it.

"Mr. Rupert, you're here! Please, come in. I've prepared some tea for you."

She reached out warmly, only for Rupert to place a folder between them.

"No need. This is the mining report Fanny requested. Tell her to give me an answer soon. I don't like delays."

In recent years, Fanny's father had quickly risen through the ranks with family support, drawing envy from others.

As a businessman, Rupert preferred to avoid direct dealings with the Lance family, highlighting Bridget's crucial role.

Though her smile faltered, Bridget

took the folder with a forced calm, her voice tinged with

disappointment as she asked, "Is that all, Mr. Rupert? You're just here to drop off documents?"

"What else?" Rupert replied, his gaze inscrutable.

Bridget felt a pang in her chest, her face paling as she clung to the folder for

composure.

"Of

the you're busy. I just for a cup of tea. It's been, om net

might like to come in

we had a proper chat."