Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 245

Sylvia looked at Rupert in surprise. How on earth did he know she was craving clam chowder?

Rupert turned his head slightly, his voice calm, "Go ahead, have some."

"Okay."

Sylvia nodded and took a sip of the soup.

Watching the scene unfold, Warren's expression was inscrutable, his hand gripping his fork tightly.

Fiona dabbed her lips with a napkin, chuckling softly, "Sylvia, what brings you to dinner with Rupert? As someone older, let me remind you that some things shouldn't be repeated. For a woman, reputation is everything."

Sylvia's face turned pale.

She was well aware that Fiona was alluding to that fleeting moment between her and Rupert. Though it had happened ages ago, the Garcias never dared to discuss it openly. Yet here was Fiona, making her feel small in front of everyone at the table.

Just then, the sound of tea being poured interrupted the tension.

After setting down the teapot, Rupert leisurely picked up his cup, his gaze icy as he locked eyes with Fiona.

"I wasn't aware I needed to report my whereabouts to outsiders. Wouldn't you agree?"

The word "outsider" cut Fiona deeply.

She slammed her fork down. "Rupert, what exactly do you mean by that?"

Rupert set the cup down slowly, his face devoid of emotion. "Just what I said. Come and go as you please—treat the Garcias like a playground? Really?"

"If the decision is so tough, maybe I should ask Tristan for permission to set you both free."

Fiona and Warren's expressions flickered with panic for a moment.

Leaving the Garcias would mean returning to the Carmens—a fate not exactly filled with honor.

Warren, ever the savvy one, raised his glass toward Rupert. "My mom didn’t mean anything by it, just joking around with Sylvia."

"Oh? It's only a joke if the person you're joking about finds it funny. Do I really need to explain that?"

Rupert's ring-adorned fingers tapped rhythmically against the cup, the ruby glinting under the light, each tap resounding like a countdown.

Warren shot Fiona a warning glance.