Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 246

Warren mentioned weaknesses, and his gaze lingered deliberately on Sylvia.

Sylvia felt a bit suspicious, just about to question him when a deep voice came from behind her.

"Sylvia."

Rupert strode over with his long legs, dressed in a simple black and white suit that matched his formidable presence. He exuded such a powerful aura that he needed no embellishments.

In just a few strides, his overwhelming presence was palpable.

Even Warren, with a cigarette smoldering between his fingers, found himself frozen under Rupert's intense gaze, though his eyes burned with bitter anger.

Rupert, unfazed, walked right past Warren and scooped Sylvia up into his arms, turning to leave.

"Uncle Rupert," Warren's voice slithered out from behind them.

Rupert halted but did not turn around.

Sylvia glanced back at Warren, noting the obsessive look in his eyes, and felt a wave of unease.

Warren let out a cold laugh. "You must not know that Sylvia said she'd be willing to run away abroad with me if I asked."

Hearing this, Sylvia was incensed, wriggling to break free from Rupert's hold, much like a cat with its hackles raised.

Rupert's grip tightened, holding her firmly in place. He looked down at her with a cool, steady gaze, speaking each word deliberately, "If her judgment is that poor, I suppose it's my duty to teach her better."

Teach her?

Sylvia's scalp prickled with discomfort, a shiver running down her spine.

Before she could protest, Rupert carried her out of the restaurant, leaving a seething Warren in their wake.

On the way to the parking lot, Sylvia struggled to be let down.

"Put me down! Someone might see us!"

Suddenly, there was a sharp smack.

Her cheeks flushed as she felt the sting on her backside.

Rupert arched an eyebrow, a faint, teasing smile playing on his lips. "Behaving now? Not running off with anyone?"

"It's not running away!" Sylvia retorted.

"Leaving with him, then?"

As his presence closed in, she was caught off guard, her legs unsure of where to go. Just as her feet were about to hit the ground, Rupert shifted, letting her stand on his shoes.

In an instant, she was enveloped by him.

It seemed without an explanation, he wasn't going anywhere.

Frustrated and embarrassed, Sylvia blurted out, "Yes, I said it. I wanted to leave…"

Before she could finish, he silenced her with a fervent kiss.

It felt like an eternity before his lips finally left hers, gentle and lingering.

He gazed at her, voice husky, "Still want to leave?"

"Leav…" Sylvia panted, struggling to form a coherent thought. "What right do you have to control me? Who I leave with is none of your business!"

Suddenly, a strong hand cupped the back of her head, leaving her unable to resist.

He looked at her with half-lidded eyes, deep and enigmatic, a flicker of something tender in their depths.

"What do you think it has to do with me?"