Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 151

Talking to someone too smart could be quite a drag, Bailey mused, just as she was about to delve into some contract details. Suddenly, a frantic cry shattered the calm.

"Fire! Fire! Help!"

Rupert’s gaze swept the gazebo before he bolted out without hesitation.

Bailey snuffed out her cigarette, clicking her tongue in amusement. Her manor hadn't seen this much excitement in years.

...

The manor, nestled against the woods and adorned in autumn’s embrace, was always vigilant about fire, given the dry leaves that often blew in from the forest.

Thankfully, the manor staff managed to extinguish the flames quickly. But the quaint little flower garden wasn't so lucky - its once vibrant blossoms now lay charred and unrecognizable.

Sylvia, drawn by the commotion, rushed out from the bathroom, just in time to see Rupert hurrying toward her from not far away.

As he neared the bathroom, a figure darted into his arms.

"Rupert, I'm alright. It's just... the fire was so sudden. It really scared me."

"Uh-huh," Rupert murmured, his posture visibly relaxing.

Sylvia stopped a few steps away, her eyes meeting Rupert's. There was an unspoken depth in his gaze, something she couldn't quite decipher.

She averted her eyes, focusing instead on the ruined garden.

The silence was broken by Bailey's voice as she interrogated a servant.

"What happened here? Haven't I reminded you all about the importance of fire safety, especially during the dry season?"

"We've been checking every hour. It wasn't our fault this time. It was..." the servants exchanged uneasy glances, their hesitation palpable.

"Out with it! What happened?"