Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 145

Especially since sitting across from Sylvia was Rupert.

He was lounging back, legs crossed, his long index finger pressed against his forehead, looking at her with an amused gaze.

Immediately, Sylvia looked down to find the button on her seat, hoping to swivel it toward the driving position.

Instead, she accidentally activated the massage function, and the buzzing sound filled the car, leaving her in utter embarrassment.

Frantically searching for the button, she felt a pair of hands casually rest on her armrest, his body leaning slightly towards her.

A fresh scent wafted over, and she immediately leaned back, avoiding getting any closer to the man. But their eyes met unavoidably.

They locked eyes briefly before she quickly looked away, while he simply lowered his gaze, fiddling with the buttons on the armrest.

Finally...

"It's broken," Rupert said nonchalantly.

Sylvia was left speechless. She raised her eyes to meet his. His long lashes lifted slightly as his gaze lazily lingered on her, not even bothering to hide his deceit.

All she could do was clench her fists and turn her head away, staring at the dead screen.

Rupert shifted back to his original position, not looking at her but instead gazing out of the window, his eyes flickering.

Sylvia felt helpless, and from the corner of her eye, she caught Bridget sending a chilling look her way.

Unbothered, she simply closed her eyes.

Suddenly, a familiar voice exploded in her ear.

"Sylvia."

Freya!

Sylvia turned to see the person in the front seat.

Freya, with her face delicately made up, was smiling gently, showing no signs of the beating she'd supposedly received that morning.

Noticing Sylvia's puzzled look, Freya waved her hand. "Ms. Eloise originally wanted Bella to accompany her to give Bailey a gift, but Bella got caught up with work at the last minute, so she sent me instead."

Bella?