Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 40

Bridget's face went pale, and as Rupert raised his hand, she reached out to snatch the flash drive, only to accidentally drop it. Then, in a tragic twist of fate, her high heel shattered the flash drive. She said, her face a picture of apologies, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to; I was just trying to help."

Sylvia, witnessing the fragments of the flash drive, turned on her heel and left.

Whether Rupert saw the contents or not didn't matter. What mattered was that Bridget had shown her guilt. Everyone saw it. That was enough.

As Sylvia exited the grand hall, Naomi caught up with her.

"Have you lost your mind, handing over the evidence to Bridget?"

"Mom, do you really think we could have kept it safe?" Sylvia retorted.

"You could have just played the audio right there and then. Everyone would have seen Bridget for who she really is."

"You don't want to continue the life with Edwin? You think Rupert would let us off the hook?"

Naomi had underestimated Rupert's affection for Bridget. After all, Sylvia had faced the fatal consequences of that relationship in her past life.

Rupert had defended Bridget in front of Tristan. How could he let them tarnish Bridget's reputation?

They were no match for Rupert.

Naomi sighed deeply, "I don't know what kind of luck Bridget has to catch Rupert's eye."

"I'm leaving, Mom."

Sylvia didn't want to hear any more, heading straight for the door.

Outside, the autumn wind was chilling, blowing in gusts that made Sylvia shiver in her thin clothes, barely able to move. She looked up at the sun, feeling dizzy, and then her body gave way. Someone caught her from behind and unceremoniously carried her to a car.

Struggling to get a good look at the person, she tried to get out.

"Let me go! Get away from me!"

But the man's strength was overwhelming, easily enveloping her. Her back against his chest, the familiar warmth and scent made Sylvia flush with indignation, and she bit into the wrist in front of her without thinking. The man behind her clicked his tongue but didn't let go. A taste of blood in her mouth, and yet the arms around her tightened even further. She released her bite, turning to glare at him.

"Done biting?" he murmured, almost teasing.

Sylvia fumed at the man in front of her - Rupert.

His eyes lingered on Sylvia's face; she was gasping slightly, her pale skin contrasting with the enticing trace of blood on her lips. But then her eyes reddened, a mixture of defiance and vulnerability that drew him in deeper. Rupert's gaze darkened, and he tightened his grip on her chin, pressing his lips against hers with force.

Sylvia froze for a moment before kicking out fiercely, leaving scuff marks on his expensive suit. Yet Rupert refused to release her, his kiss deepening, making it hard for her to breathe, her strength waning, leaving him to do what he desired. He held her neck, pulling back slightly, his voice husky. "Angry?"

"Let go...let go."

Sylvia bit down, but Rupert caught her wrist. He removed his tie and tied her hands together.

"This way, you'll stay put."

Humiliation silenced Sylvia; she struggled briefly, but Rupert firmly held her hand.

"Don't move, or do you want to lose your hand?" he said, anger lacing his tone.

Sylvia then realized the pain in her hand was unbearable, sweat breaking out on her forehead.

"My hand...my hand..."

Fear took over, her consciousness blurring.

In her trembling state, someone held her tightly.

"Come here."