Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 124

Sylvia's eyes widened in shock as the man in front of her suddenly took action.

With a swift motion, he pulled at the collar of his hoodie and yanked it over his head, revealing a chiseled body hidden underneath. The movement tensed the muscles across his abs, each one distinct, without a hint of fat. Caught off guard, Sylvia was momentarily stunned until a sweater flew toward her face.

Leaning casually against the desk, Rupert gave Sylvia a teasing look. "Didn't get enough of a show the other night? If you don't want to catch a cold, go inside and change."

Flustered, Sylvia grabbed the sweater and dashed into a small partition, letting the curtain fall behind her.

For a while, neither spoke, the only sound being Sylvia rustling as she changed clothes.

Rupert took out a cigarette, his gaze captured by her silhouette behind the curtain just as he was about to light it.

Sylvia, pulling off her turtleneck, raised her arms, revealing a figure that was both slender and curvy. Even through the haze, her grace was evident.

Naturally striking, she didn't need to try hard to captivate every man's senses with just the right touch of allure.

The lighter felt hot in Rupert's hand. He lit his cigarette and took a deep drag, watching through a veil of smoke as Sylvia fumbled behind the curtain.

She slapped his sweater a couple of times as if slapping him, muttering under her breath. She was bold and defiant, and Rupert was sure her curses were heartfelt. Finally, she put on the sweater reluctantly, tugging at it here and there before pulling the curtain aside.

When she emerged, Rupert's eyes narrowed. The sweater hung on her like a dress, loose and somehow even more enticing.

"Can we go now?" Sylvia said awkwardly.

"Orson isn't here yet. Let's wait a bit," Rupert replied nonchalantly, flicking ash from his cigarette as he walked over to select a bottle of wine from the cabinet. Sylvia glanced at the label, noting it was even pricier than the one Bridget had chosen.

"Have a drink to warm up." Rupert poured two glasses.

Sylvia frowned, wary. "I'm fine, really... Achoo!"

Rupert raised an eyebrow, offering her a glass.

"Calling in sick on your second day at the studio? Because of...drinking and falling into a pond?"

Sylvia was left speechless. Biting her lip, she glared at him before taking the glass, tilting her head back to drink.

The wine was warming, her cheeks flushing, lips dewy and inviting. Her hair moved with her breath, a fragile beauty begging to be disrupted.

Rupert's gaze deepened. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, touching the tip and trailing down to a kiss mark. "Dog bite?"

He heard it!

Sylvia pursed her lips, feeling his imposing presence bearing down on her. Her body trembled slightly, wanting to push his hand away, but he caught her wrist and pinned it behind her.

She had no choice but to straighten up and meet his gaze; those deep eyes seemed to swallow her whole. The only thing clear in his gaze was her own struggling reflection

Knowing she was no match, Sylvia quickly grabbed the expensive bottle of wine from the table.

"Let me go, or your precious wine gets it. Not easy to find such an expensive bottle."

She raised her eyes again and met his.

He narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint passing through them, his voice husky. "I don't take kindly to threats."

Without even a glance at the bottle, he smashed it.

Sylvia was startled, pulled abruptly close, their lips nearly touching.

Rupert's voice was deep and husky. "A rare find. It deserves to be savored."

"You... Mm."