Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 608

The day after Sylvia found out that Rupert had helped her get in touch with her dream school, she went straight to find Lester.

She told him everything.

Since they were dating, she didn’t want Lester to hear it from anyone else. Lying to him just felt wrong—especially when he’d always treated her so well.

After listening, Lester’s advice was simple: be honest with Rupert and set things straight. As for the school, it was her future—she should pick whatever was best for her.

But Sylvia really didn’t want to see Rupert in person. That’s when she thought of asking Orson to pass on the message.

As soon as Orson’s name was mentioned, Zion immediately volunteered to help.

Only… it had been over ten minutes since Zion sent the message and there was still no reply.

“Zion, did you do something to tick Orson off? He’s Rupert’s assistant—his phone is practically glued to his hand. If he hasn’t responded by now, he’s probably ignoring you,” Sylvia pointed out.

Zion clicked his tongue. “He’s really holding a grudge, huh?”

Sylvia eyed him suspiciously. “What did you do, exactly?”

Zion gave a mischievous grin.

Sylvia had a bad feeling and quickly said, “Never mind, I’ll just ask Chris to help.”

She pulled out her phone and messaged Chris.

In less than two minutes, Chris replied.

“All set. See you soon,” followed by the address of a nearby bistro.

Zion wasn’t grinning anymore.

Lester looked up from his paperwork and glanced at Sylvia. “Want me to come with you?”

“No need. Orson’s Rupert’s assistant—if people saw you two together in private, it could get messy. Chris will go with me,” Sylvia explained.

Lester closed the file and said thoughtfully, “Chris is always there for you, isn’t he?”

Sylvia was about to nod, then realized something was off in Lester’s tone.

“Are you jealous?” she teased.

“Like I haven’t had enough to be jealous about lately?”

As he spoke, Lester reached over and pulled Sylvia into a gentle hug.

Sylvia touched the soft scarf and nodded. “Okay.”

...

When she walked into the bistro, Chris and Orson were already there.

As soon as Sylvia sat down, Orson’s eyes drifted to the scarf around her neck, and he went quiet.

The air suddenly felt awkward.

Chris picked up the teapot and poured everyone some Earl Grey.

“I’ve already ordered. If it’s not enough, we can get more later. Have some tea and warm up first.”

“Thanks,” Sylvia said, carefully tucking her scarf so it wouldn’t get dirty.

Sylvia stared at her cup of tea, then quietly asked, “Was the whole thing with the school Rupert’s idea?”

Orson paused, cup halfway to his lips, and nodded. “Yeah.”