Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

With a loud clang, the car window didn't shatter, not even a crack appeared.

Sylvia clung to the car door, feeling completely at a loss.

Just then, the window rolled down slowly, revealing a pair of cool, assessing eyes.

Almost simultaneously, the car door swung open, and a long arm looped around Sylvia's waist, hoisting her up as another foot sent an approaching man flying.

The attacker, upon recognizing Rupert Garcia, scrambled to his feet and dragged his partner away in a hurry.

Rupert cast a quick glance at Orson.

Orson nodded subtly and slipped away.

Watching the two men retreat, Sylvia was about to breathe a sigh of relief when a deep, chilly voice sounded above her head.

"What's going on?"

Sylvia pressed her lips together, words forming in her mind but remaining unspoken.

She was almost certain those two were sent by Bridget.

It must be because her phone was too new, something Bridget had noticed, prompting this ambush to snatch her old phone.

But would Rupert believe her?

Not likely.

He was the sort of guy who would lavish gifts on Bridget without batting an eye.

She couldn't afford to tip him off.

"Just some muggers," Sylvia muttered.

Rupert looked down at her, his eyes unreadable. "Do I look that gullible?"

"Believe what you want, just put me down."

Sylvia's legs dangled awkwardly in the air, making her feel mortified.

Who likes being handled like a rag doll?

Rupert glanced at her flailing feet. "No bandage?"

Sylvia didn't respond, finding his question a bit absurd.

Was he concerned?

Definitely not.

She braced against his shoulder, desperately trying to create some distance between them.

Seeing her resistance, Rupert grew impatient; his large hand snatched her wrists and held them firmly.

"Settle down, or do you want to hurt your foot?"

"What's it to you? Am I your pet? Something you can pet when you're pleased and kick away when you're not, or rather, let others kick?"

Sylvia glared at him icily.

Rupert narrowed his eyes, a hint of coldness flashing through them, "A pet? Fine."

Before Sylvia could react, she was shoved into the back seat of the car, her hands pulled and secured.

In an instant, she shot a startled look up at him.

Rupert had whipped off his tie, looping it twice around her wrists and tying it to the car's overhead handle.

He tied it with a climbing knot, the kind that only tightened with struggle.

"You!"

Furious, Sylvia lashed out with a kick.

Rupert was ready for her; without even looking up, he blocked her with his

hm and caught her leg with

hand.

his

He ran his fingers along her leg, deliberately giving it a squeeze. "This is what

having a pet means."

Sylvia clenched her fists, so angry she felt

her head, then she defiantly turned her face away.

at radiating off the top of

Rupert's lips curled slightly.

Stubborn and helpless.

Sylvia gradually calmed down, but then she felt a coolness on her ankle.

Turning her head, she saw Rupert spraying something on her ankle, which was soothingly cold.

Her foot, which had been throbbing from her earlier sprint, immediately felt relieved.noveldrama

"What's that?"

"Picked it up for you."

Rupert casually tossed the bottle into her bag, his gaze lingering inside it for a moment, growing darker.

Sylvia shifted her hands. "Can you untie me now? My wrists hurt."

Rupert looked at her wrists, rubbed them lightly, but didn't release her.

"Where's the watch?"

"It's too expensive for me. I don't want it."

Sylvia gave a standard line.

Rupert studied her face, his voice icy, "Lying again?"

Sylvia's breath caught; whatever she said seemed to be wrong.

Frustration surged, and anger flared in her chest.

She spat out, "What am I to you, Uncle Rupert? A trash can? Why give me things others don't want? Just to humiliate me? Why can't you just stay away from me!"

As soon as the words left her lips, her calf throbbed with pain.

Rupert seemed determined to crush her.