Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 301

The crowd’s whistles and shouts came in waves across the packed bar.

On stage, a woman moved with the music, step by step, heading straight for a man in the audience.

Suddenly, with a dramatic flourish, she whipped off her mask and tumbled right into his arms.

There were so many people pressed up against the stage, Sylvia couldn’t see either of their faces clearly. But as the man caught the woman, the stage lights caught his wrist—and the glint of his designer watch.

CL.

The initials, spelled out in tiny diamonds, sparkled so brightly that Sylvia recognized them instantly.

Chris Lennon!

Which meant the woman had to be Fanny.

Sylvia never would’ve guessed that the famous Ms. Lance would go so far as to get up on stage and dance just to impress a guy.

Pocketing her phone, she grabbed her glass of whiskey and slipped through the throng toward Chris and his friends’ VIP booth.

Chris really was the boss. His table had the best view in the whole place—not only could you see the stage perfectly, but you could also watch all the action on the dance floor: guys in skinny jeans, girls in cocktail dresses, and everyone in between.

Sylvia glanced over at them.

Chris was in all black—black dress shirt open far enough to show off most of his chest, sleeves rolled, looking effortlessly cool.

Fanny was perched on his lap, tapping his chest lightly with her champagne glass.

“Jerk, I texted you and you didn’t even bother to reply.”

He smirked, eyes on hers. “Didn’t I just come find you? Hm?”

Chris leaned in, took her half-empty glass, and—without breaking eye contact—tilted it back, finishing the rest with a bite of the rim. The cocky move earned him a look from Fanny that was all swooning hearts.

Just then, a soft voice chimed in from beside them.

“Fanny, you know he’s a doctor. When he’s busy, nobody can get ahold of him. You’re the only one who can drag him out on a night like this. Seriously, think about it—has he ever shown up somewhere without you there?”

It was Bridget, of course.

Bridget set down her glass and stood up gracefully.

“All right, lovebirds, you two keep cuddling. I’m going to the restroom.”

“Can’t win with you,” Bridget said, feigning annoyance. She shot Chris a quick look before walking away.

Chris hung out with Fanny for another drink or two, then ruffled her hair affectionately. “I’ve got to say hi to a client. Be good and wait for me, okay?”

A few minutes ago, Fanny had been the boldest one on the dance floor. Now, with that sweet, bashful smile, she settled primly into her seat, playing the perfect good girl.

But Sylvia noticed that the second Chris walked away, he snagged a napkin from a passing waiter, wiped his hands vigorously, and tossed it straight into the trash.

So much for deep, undying love—he was just putting on a show.

When Chris turned in the direction Bridget had gone, Sylvia set down her drink and quietly trailed after him…