Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 21

Feeling the weight of someone's gaze, Sylvia turned her head.

It was Rupert.

Dressed in a sleek black suit, his long fingers resting against his temple, the ruby ring on his finger catching the sunlight with a hint of a chilling thirst.

Bridget was leaning close by his side. It appeared Bridget was whispering something, their proximity and Rupert's soft expression spoke volumes.

Sylvia averted her gaze, feigning calm as she lowered her hand.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." The man followed her gaze, "That's Mr. Rupert Garcia, isn't it? He really adores his fiancée, to personally drop her off."

Indeed. It was apparent to everyone Rupert's preference for Bridget. Except, in her past life, she was like a fool, waiting for him, loving him.

Just as Sylvia was about to nod, Naomi tugged at her sleeve.

"Since we're here, you should go say hello to Rupert."

"I'd rather not." Sylvia shrugged off the hand, making to leave.

"You..."

Naomi's reproach was cut short by Bridget's sudden exclamation.

"Naomi, Sylvia, what a coincidence. And this gentleman is?"

Bridget, arm in arm with Rupert, sized up the man beside Sylvia.

Naomi had always thought of Bridget as a schemer, and after the ordeal with the Garcia family, she was even more convinced of Bridget's ill intentions.

She stepped closer to the man, boasting slightly, "This is Julian Zook, from the Zook family. A real catch, we're all quite pleased."

The emphasis on "we" was loaded with meaning. Sylvia didn't have a chance to intervene before she felt the gaze across the table darkened.

Julian stepped forward, gentlemanly, "Mr. Rupert Garcia."

Rupert's gaze barely swept over him, lingering instead on Sylvia, a hint of mockery lifting the corners of his mouth, "We?"

Finally, his glance passed over Julian with an ambiguous tone, "A real catch indeed."

Sylvia felt a shiver down her spine, her palms sweating. What was meant to be a casual remark felt like a looming disaster, suffocating her.

Bridget's eyes flickered with disdain upon surveying Julian. In Rupert's presence, Julian was insignificant, a good match for Sylvia though.