Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Edwin nodded his agreement, then hurried to match Sylvia's pace.

When Rupert turned around, Warren gave him a light smile.

"Rupert, thanks for dropping by. I feel like I've got a new lease on life now."

Rupert glanced at Warren, a sharp look passing briefly in his eyes. "Oh? Save that energy for when you really need it.'

Warren's smile faded as he watched Rupert walk away, his expression unreadable.

...

Sylvia followed Edwin downstairs, where he took a call, responding with a few noncommittal hums.

Then he turned to Sylvia with a troubled look. "Sylvia, I'll have my driver take you home. I need to swing by the office to grab some documents."

"No need, Edwin, I've already called an Uber."

Sylvia remembered Naomi was waiting for her at home, and getting a ride in their neighborhood could take forever, so she declined his offer.

"You're always too considerate of others."

"Edwin, your ride's here. You better get going, or my mom will start complaining about your late nights again." Sylvia nudged him towards the car.

"I'll grab some takeout for her on the way back. That'll cheer her up," Edwin said with a chuckle. "Yeah, yeah, you two are just too sweet."

Sylvia closed the car door and waved goodbye.

As she watched Edwin drive away, she checked her phone - the Uber was still five minutes out.

Just then, a car pulled up in front of her. The window rolled down halfway, revealing a pair of cold, dark eyes.

"Get in."

"No, thanks. My ride's on the way. You can go."

Sylvia's tone was indifferent, almost dismissive, as she turned and walked away.

A chilly wind picked up, cutting through her like a knife. She huddled into her jacket, trying to soak up whatever warmth it held.

Thud!

The sound of hurried footsteps

came from behind her. Before she

could

react, her jacket was

off and tossed into a nearby trash can.

She spun around, anger flashing in her eyes.

"Rupert, what the hell!"

"Do you always smell this good?" Rupert's eyes narrowed.

"What... Achoo!"

Sylvia rubbed her nose, too annoyed for words.

Was it Warren he had smelled on her?

Did he notice Warren hold her?

"Come here." Rupert gestured.

"I'm fine... Achoo!"

Rupert's expression darkened. Without waiting for her response, he pulled her close.

Underneath his coat, he wore a

black, high-neck cashmere sweater that

Being close to him, she didn'twant to step away.

Q incredibly soft and warm.noveldrama

Naomi had once said that the cashmere sweaters wealthy people wore were on a whole different level from what they knew.

Sylvia finally understood what she meant; Rupert felt like a walking heater. Not like her, shivering despite her heavy coat.

But her reason told her not to be swayed. She tried to pull away, but Rupert caught her hand and tucked it under his coat.

Sylvia froze.

Rupert's voice was low and cold. "You meet him wearing pajamas? Can't let him go, can you?"

Sylvia snapped back to reality. Despite her hand being held, she resisted leaning in, her whole body tense with defiance.

"Who threw away my coat? Is it

wrong to care for my brother? And what I feel about him is none of your business! What can you do besides threaten me?"

"Sylvia..."

Rupert cut off coldly, but after a moment, he remained silent, just swallowing hard. Sylvia noticed people starting to look their way, and she frowned. "Let go... Ah!"