Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 105

Sylvia spun around, her gaze crashing into Rupert's icy eyes.

"Don't even think about calling the cops."

His voice was a command, brooking no argument.

Under the harsh glare of the fluorescent lighting, his eyes -set in a face as striking as it was intimidating- locked onto hers with an intensity that was almost threatening.

Sylvia's fists clenched tightly, her shoulders shaking. Her face pale, tinged with a hint of blue, betrayed the effort it took to steady herself.

"Why?" she finally asked, her voice low and strained. "Is it just because they're part of the Simpson family? Do we deserve this? Why is it always me who ends up being sacrificed? Once, twice..."

Rupert remained silent, his gaze eerily calm.

Sylvia, on the brink of hysteria, lowered her gaze to their shoes. A pair of sneakers and a pair of handcrafted leather shoes, a clear sign their worlds should never have collided.

She let out a self-deprecating laugh, mocking her own futile attempts to challenge the inevitable.

"Fine. I won't call the cops. Just don't regret your decision today."

Snatching her phone back, she stormed into the hospital room, the door slamming shut behind her.

Orson approached Rupert with a frown. "Mr. Garcia, shouldn't we explain to Ms. Lloyd that..."

"No need."

With that, Rupert's phone rang. It was Bridget. He squinted slightly but didn't answer, turning to Orson instead. "Continue with the task I assigned you." "Understood."

Naomi was still sleeping peacefully, while Sylvia sat vigil, too exhausted to sleep.

Suddenly, her cheek felt warm as a cup of hot cocoa was handed to her. Looking up, she was surprised to see Warren.

"Warren," she barely whispered, her legs feeling weak.

"Sylvia, what's wrong?" Warren quickly wrapped an arm around her.

Sylvia rubbed her head, making up an excuse. "Just pins and needles in my feet."

"Sylvia, I'm sorry I'm late again." Warren handed her the cocoa with an apologetic look.

Shaking her head, Sylvia took a sip of the cocoa without a word.

Warren watched her for a moment before whispering, "Are Naomi and Edwin okay? Uncle Rupert and Grandpa said they just had a bit too much to drink and took a minor fall."

Sylvia froze. Her hand jerked, spilling most of her cocoa onto the floor. She looked at Warren in disbelief, her voice muffled, "Rupert... he really said that?"

"Yeah, Mrs. Simpson and Bridget are coming over to the Garcias for dinner tomorrow. My mom was going over the menu with Grandpa, and he mentioned it. That's why I rushed over."

Sylvia tried to act indifferent, but she

couldn't hide her shock. The indignity they suffered was seemingly worth less than a dinner with Bridget. To ensure that dinner went ahead as planned, Rupert had even stooped to lying.

Tears welled up, falling silently one after another, her gaze growing cold as ice.

"Sylvia, what's wrong?"

Warren pulled Sylvia into a tight embrace, his warmth enveloping her. The comfort was overwhelming, numbing her thoughts. Without realizing, she clung to him in return. "Warren..."

"It's okay, it's okay. Edwin and your mom are fine, right? Don't cry. I'm here for you," Warren soothed her gently, his voice filled with tenderness.

Outside the room, Rupert stood

silently, watching the scene unfold.

Without a word, he turned and walked away, a cold chill radiating from him, making even Orson, who was always by his side, hesitant to approach.

...

After crying for a while, Sylvia sniffled, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Warren, thank you."

"Don't mention it. So, about tomorrow's dinner... are you still going?" Warren looked at Naomi lying on the hospital bed, his concern evident.

Sylvia wiped away her tears, her gaze firm. "Yes. I'll definitely go."

After chatting for a bit more and seeing Warren out, Sylvia didn't return to the hospital room. Instead, she walked purposefully toward a specific location. Pushing open a door, she stepped inside.

Chris, who was on duty, was

washing his hands when he suddenly felt a chilling presence. behind him. Turning around, he almost jumped out of his skin at the sight of Sylvia's pale face!

"Sylvia?"

"Christine, I need to talk to you about something."

"Wait a sec... how do you know to call me Christine?"