Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 644

“But I don’t believe it was you. But what about her?”

“How is she supposed to face the rest of her life? How will she face you? And what will you choose?”

“You don’t have to answer. I already know what you’ll do.”

He paused, letting out a breath that turned to white mist in the cold air, then said something that sounded almost ridiculous, even to himself: “You’re not wrong for choosing what you did.”

Keeping the peace. Letting the big things go, smoothing out the little ones.

He got it.

Chris added quietly, “But she’s not wrong either, you know.”

Rupert’s brow furrowed sharply, his usually striking, composed features suddenly looking a little ragged in the haze.

He stared down at the glowing tip of his cigarette, saying nothing.

Just as the cigarette was about to burn out, Orson knocked and poked his head in.

“Mr. Rupert, we’ve got something.”

Rupert lifted his gaze, stood up, and crushed the smoldering cigarette into his palm.

“Let’s go.”

They left the office, and Rupert made his way to Sylvia’s hospital room.

He was about to push open the door when Naomi stepped out. Her eyes were still wet with tears, and now, when she looked at Rupert, there was a hint of accusation.

She blocked his way, meeting his eyes. “Rupert, Sylvia finally managed to fall asleep. Please, don’t wake her up. Mr. Sanford is with her—she doesn’t need anyone else right now.”

Rupert looked down at her. “Is there something you want to say?”

Naomi shrank a little beneath the weight of his presence, but as a mother, she steadied herself, wringing her hands but holding his gaze.

“Rupert, whatever Sylvia did before, just blame me for it, okay? If you want someone to blame, take it out on me!”

“Pretend I’m the shallow, social-climbing mom who pushed her toward you. But she doesn’t remember any of that now. She has a boyfriend who loves her, and you’re about to get married.”

“Rupert, if all you can bring her is jealousy, chaos, and pain—if you’d use any means just to have her—please, I’m begging you, let her go. Let her be happy.”

Rupert stared at Naomi’s tear-stained face. The hand he’d raised dropped slowly to his side, and he turned and walked away.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify