Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 175

Sylvia felt a wave of heat wash over her face and quickly turned, attempting to clear the air.

“Mrs. Ellis, it’s not…”

Rupert, with a quick stride, turned and headed upstairs, leaving her words hanging in the void of the stairwell.

Sylvia cast a dubious glance at Rupert, wondering if she’d imagined the faint amusement in his eyes.

But when she looked again, his gaze was as icy as ever.

Definitely her imagination!

Once they reached the first floor, Sylvia squirmed. “You can put me down now. I can walk in my shoes. My apartment’s pretty high up.”

Rupert remained silent, continuing his ascent.

Sylvia thought for a moment before pointing upwards. “I’m on the sixth floor. You won’t make it.”

“Third floor.”

“How did you know?” Sylvia asked, surprised.

“What do you think?” Rupert paused, his gaze deepening as he looked at her.

“You’ve been snooping on me!”

Rupert’s eyes narrowed, wondering what she was always fretting about in her head.

…

Moments later, Rupert stopped at the door to Sylvia’s apartment.

Reluctantly, Sylvia unlocked the door and entered, immediately swapping her shoes for a pair of non-slip sneakers.

Around the apartment, she gathered two suitcases, filling them with clothes for all seasons, shoes, and five boxes of books.

Books on art were expensive, and even though hers were well-worn, she couldn’t bear to part with them.

She dragged over a suitcase. “This one’s easy to carry. I can manage the rest.”

Rupert ignored her, simply glancing at the door.

Orson and the driver quickly entered, each taking half of the load and preparing to leave.