Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 125

Rupert's kiss was domineering, leaving Sylvia with no chance to resist. Their lips met, and Rupert seemed to be searching for every hint of the wine that lingered on her breath.

Sylvia tried to push him away, her palms pressed against his chest, but the moment she touched him, she felt his breath hitch, and his kiss deepened with fervor.

But it wasn't enough. Once you've tasted something exquisite, who could settle for less?

Rupert was only human, after all.

Sylvia found herself being lifted onto the bar counter, her sweater riding up to reveal a glimpse of her smooth, pale legs.

Rupert's hand caressed her skin.

As Sylvia considered how to push him away, his phone rang. Rupert, clearly annoyed, glanced at the caller ID before answering.

"Orson."

"Ms. Simpson had a slip in the restroom. She fell and landed on her previously injured arm. She says it's unbearably painfully. I've called an ambulance to take her to the hospital."

"Bring a change of clothes to the wine cellar."

"The wine cellar? Right away."

Soon after, Orson arrived. After a quick glance at the two, he handed over a set of clean clothes and left.

Rupert went behind a curtain to change.

Sylvia quickly hopped off the counter and adjusted her clothes, her cheeks flushing at the thought of Rupert changing.

When Rupert reemerged, he draped his coat over Sylvia. "We're going to the hospital."

Sylvia argued, "No, I can get home on my own."

But Rupert wasn't asking; he was stating. Without giving Sylvia a chance to resist, he led her to the car.

On the way to the hospital, Sylvia sat quietly, puzzled as to why Rupert insisted on her coming. She glanced at him and saw him scrolling through his phone, looking up orthopedic and neurology specialists for Bridget.

Sylvia looked away, staring out the window.

She wasn't heartbroken- perhaps because she had always known about Rupert's feelings for Bridget. But there was a lump in her throat, a sense of powerlessness. She couldn't understand why Rupert was keeping her close.

…

At the hospital, Sylvia didn't enter the room; Rupert didn't even notice she hadn't followed.

In her past life, no matter what happened, whenever Bridget spoke those words, Rupert would always agree.

Sylvia leaned back against the wall, and then Orson appeared a few steps away.

"Ms. Lloyd, Rupert asked me to take you for a check-up."

"No need…" Before she could finish, Sylvia fainted.

"Ms. Lloyd!"

A figure rushed over, but Sylvia couldn't see clearly and assumed it was Orson.

When she woke up again, she found herself hooked up to an IV drip. Her body was soaked and chilled, leading to a fever. It wasn't serious, though. After a bag of IV fluids, her temperature normalized. But it seemed she wouldn't be able to leave today.

As the IV bag neared empty, Sylvia tried to call for a nurse.

Just then, the door opened.

In walked Bridget, her arm in a sling.

"Sylvia, I underestimated you. Resorting to such low tactics. Pity, what does it matter? You'll never be part of our circle."