Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 98

At the Garcia Manor.

The moment Sylvia returned, she crashed into a sleep so deep it felt like the world had faded away. Hunger, however, proved to be a harsh alarm clock. With mobility limited, she called out towards the door. "Mom?"

"Edwin?"

But no one responded. Thinking her voice might've been too soft for Naomi and Edwin to hear, she reached for her phone, only to notice a note left on the bedside table.

[I'm out with Edwin for a dinner party. Left you some snacks, eat if you're hungry.]

On the plate were three little snacks.

Naomi really underestimated her appetite. The snacks barely touched the sides, and her stomach continued to protest loudly.

Left with no choice, she picked up the house phone and dialed the kitchen.

"Hello, is there anything else to eat?"

"The chef's off duty," the maid's voice floated back, punctuated by a yawn, hinting it was time for bed.

"Okay."

Hanging up, Sylvia couldn't help but mock her own naivety.

The Garcia family's staff never took her seriously, so why would they bother preparing food for her in the middle of the night?

Reluctantly, she forced herself up and headed to the kitchen. A sharp pain in her foot from just a few steps sent her tumbling to the ground. Her arms instinctively braced her fall, hitting a scratch which was carved by tree branches. "Ouch..."

Despite the pain, she pressed on. Hunger had given her a mission. Blowing on the wound on her arm, she limped out into the estate.

The Garcia Manor was a collection of courtyards interspersed with Western-style gardens and walkways. Even under the cloak of night, lit by the soft glow of street lamps, it remained picturesque.

Sylvia made her way to the kitchen, stopping occasionally. She knew her place well enough to take only an egg from the vast array of premium ingredients in the custom fridge wall.

Just as she was about to crack the egg, the lights flickered and died, plunging the kitchen into darkness. The wind outside teased the curtains, making them whisper.

Whispers... voices from the past.

"You need to think about what you've done. I'll have the nanny look after our daughter."

"Rupert, please! Stella's been with me since birth, she can't be without her mother!"

"So you acknowledge that a child needs her mother. Why then would you hurt someone else's child?"

"I didn't! How many times do I have to say it?"

"A person who trapped me into marriage by getting pregnant - do you really think I'd believe you? Rufus is in a coma at the hospital, and you'll stay here for the next few days." en FindNovel

A loud slam as the door locked, sealing the room in darkness. The

thin curtains fluttered, making a sound similar to whispers. It was like a blunt knife twisting in Sylvia's heart, Outside, Stella's cries pierced

the silence.

"I want my mommy! I want my mommy!"

"Stop crying!"

Hearing her child's heart-wrenching sobs, she eventually broke down.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I'll reflect on my actions! Please, just spare my child!"

As the whispering continued, Sylvia, in a reflex of terror, smashed the egg in her hand and clutched her head. "Ah! Don't come any closer..."

Suddenly, a pair of arms enveloped her trembling body, pulling her close. Instinctively, she lashed out, but the man simply bore the brunt in silence. "It's me."

Rupert.

Behind him, the curtains lifted in the

breeze, bathing him in moonlight. The gentle glow framed his stoic, noble figure without a hint of incongruity. It was as if a veil of mist shrouded him, obscuring his gaze.

Sylvia could barely make out the slight purse of his lips.