Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

A few days later, while Bridget was busy scheming against Christine, Sylvia quietly completed her own design project.

Concerned about potential hiccups, she decided to deliver it in person to Bailey's company.

As Bailey caressed the jewelry with satisfaction, she raised an eyebrow at Sylvia. "Aren't you curious why I chose your design too?" Sylvia knew her place and decided it was better not to ask.

She replied with a light smile, "As long as you're happy."

Leaning back in her chair with a meaningful look, Bailey teased, "Looks like someone's going to pay through the nose."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Sylvia asked, genuinely puzzled.

But before she could get an answer, Bailey abruptly changed the subject, "How did you get here?"

After a brief pause, Sylvia answered, "I took a cab."

With a sly grin, Bailey suggested, "Let me have someone drive you back."

"No, that's not necessary. I..."

Before Sylvia could decline further, Bailey shouted towards her office.

"Are you done yet? She's leaving if you don't hurry."

Hearing this, Sylvia looked towards the office direction just as the door opened and a tall figure emerged.

It was Rupert.

She frowned and instinctively stepped back to maintain distance, but Bailey grabbed her arm.

She whispered, "Why so formal? It's not like I lit those scented candles for nothing."

The mention of scented candles brought back embarrassing memories for Sylvia, making her cheeks burn.

"I... I didn't know you were in a meeting. I should go," she stammered, heading quickly towards the elevator.

Bailey moved next to Rupert. "Aren't you going to follow her? You scared her off. Next time, skip the fireworks and just go straight for the cannon." Rupert remained silent but followed Sylvia's steps.

Bailey, amused, waved the piece of jewelry at Rupert. "Thanks. Make sure Sylvia catches the news tonight."

...

At the elevator.

Sylvia pressed the button frantically, but the elevator refused to budge, as if conspiring against her.

Suddenly, a hand reached from

beside her and pressed the button.

She stiffened as an imposing presence loomed behind her, trapping her against the wall with his other arm, leaving her nowhere to escape.

"Why are you running?" The man's cool voice resonated above her head.

Sylvia bit her lip, unsure of what to say.

What was she running from?

To avoid Bridget's wrath, of course.

Just then, the elevator doors opened. Seizing the opportunity, she quickly stepped aside and gestured politely. "Please, after you. You seem busier."

"You're getting more considerate by the day."

Rupert's eyes turned icy, his presence chilling as he stepped into the elevator.

Sylvia kept her gaze down, not daring to look at him, until the doors slowly shut. She let out a small sigh of relief. But before she could steady herself, she was pulled into the elevator, her back pressed against the wall. The man's body pressed against hers, the stiff fabric of his suit brushing against her with every breath he took.

Sylvia tried to calm her rapid

breathing, shrinking back to create some distance. But the closer she tried to get away, the closer be pressed.

Until their bodies were tightly pressed together.

"That night... hit and run?" Rupert's voice dropped lower, his expression cold and methodical.

In a panic, Sylvia blurted out, "I didn't hit and run!"

Rupert leaned in, his deep eyes locking onto hers with the confidence of a predator.

"So, you do remember. I thought you had amnesia."

Sylvia was at a loss for words.

Realizing her own slip, Sylvia bit her

lip, trying to regain some

composure. She pointed upward's. "There's a camera. I'd advise you to behave."

"Oh?" Rupert glanced up, fiddled with his phone for a moment, then locked his gaze back on her. "Not anymore."