Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 141

The heavy thud of one colleague hitting the ground made Sylvia's heart leap into her throat. Her eyes shot up, locking with the teasing gaze of the man advancing towards her. His cold presence made it hard to breathe. "Quite the catch?" The mocking undertone in his deep voice was hard to miss.

It was Rupert.

Sylvia wriggled her wrists, knowing she stood no chance of overpowering him. This time, she decided to be smart about it - instead of using her hands, she went for a kick.

But Rupert anticipated her move, capturing her raised leg with ease and pulling her close to him.

Her body brushed against his belt buckle, separated only by a thin layer of fabric. The proximity, combined with the overwhelming sense of powerlessness, sent a wave of humiliation through her. "Let go!"

"You're heartless," Rupert remarked, his voice husky.

"I don't need you to handle my problems. I can take care of myself!"

Just then, Freya and the others caught up.

Sylvia glanced at the dark, enclosed alley and listened to the approaching footsteps, her heart pounding like thunder.

As Freya and the group drew near, Rupert kicked the man on the ground into the shadows, grabbed Sylvia's chin, and kissed her.

"Mmph!" Sylvia's eyes widened.

Rupert, supporting her head, turned his body to shield hers.

This area, known for its winding paths, was more famously a romantic spot for college couples to stroll and date. The soft glow of warm yellow streetlights, walls covered in greenery, and quaint shops lent the area a nostalgic, romantic charm. The occasional dark corner where couples whispered sweet nothings was nothing out of the ordinary.

Freya and her group passed by, mistaking them for just another couple. Without a second glance, they disappeared down the winding path.

Once they were gone, Sylvia pushed the man in front of her with all her might.

Suddenly, an old streetlight flickered to life, its warm glow illuminating the man's face.

The light caught in his deep eyes, creating a fleeting golden halo around him. His gaze tightened as it met hers, his lashes casting shadows over uncontrollable undercurrents of emotion.

Before she could catch her next breath, Sylvia elbowed the man in the chest. Although it numbed her arm, the move clearly had an effect.

Rupert stepped back, the slanted light cutting through his silhouette. His body, imposing and stern under the glow, contrasted with his face, now obscured by shadow.

He lit a cigarette, his voice cold and low, "And how do you plan to handle it? Run to your brother for help?"

A chill ran down Sylvia's spine, her teeth clenching in barely restrained anger.

"So it's you. Already so powerful, yet you still hassle Warren? He was just helping me! What did he do to

deserve this? Why are you treating him like this?"

She glared at the shadowed face, full of fury.

ket

Rupert paused mid-drag, the cigarette hovering in mid-air as if he might drop the burning ember onto Sylvia's skin under the flickering light.

But instead, he took a slow drag, then exhaled.

"Worried about him?"

QUMS

"Yes. I hope you have the generosity to let us be," Sylvia said, barely containing her rage.

"Us?"

Rupert scoffed, crushing the cigarette with force, almost in sync with the streetlight flickering out again.

Darkness descended, wrapping them in a stifling silence.

Sylvia felt him closing in, his fingertips brushing her face, his tobacco-tinged breath warm and heavy against her skin.

He spoke gravely, "Say what you will, but..."

Cannot let you go.

Stunned, Sylvia angrily pushed him away and ran off.

"Orson."

From the shadows, Orson emerged and nodded, following her out.

the man on the ground, Came to, only to find F

over him, looking

outlet for his frustrations. belongs to FindNovel

Soon after, the alley echoed with the man's screams.

...

As Sylvia walked away, she wiped her lips and fished out her phone from her bag.

"Hello, I'd like to report a DUI near the college. Could you please keep my report anonymous? My name is Freya."