Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Orson returned to Rupert's side, his voice low. "Mr. Rupert, Ms. Lloyd left on her own."

Rupert was silent for a few moments. "Have someone keep an eye on her."

"Yes, sir. Also..." Orson leaned in and whispered a few words by his ear.

Rupert just nodded, his face unreadable.

He walked over to Bridget, reaching up to pull her bag from the overhead rack. As

an afterthought, he draped his coat around her shoulders.

"It's colder in Mountain City than in Kingstoria," he remarked.

"Mhm," Bridget murmured, cheeks pink and eyes shining with excitement.

People nearby couldn't help but stare, some with obvious envy.

...noveldrama

Sylvia grabbed her suitcase and found Eloise waiting.

Eloise stood alone.

"Bridget's not coming with us."

"I figured," Sylvia replied, not surprised.

Just then, a commotion broke out across the terminal.

Rupert was leading Bridget out of the airport, hand in hand. It looked like a scene straight out of a celebrity tabloid-paparazzi, flashes, and an excited crowd.

Bridget glanced back at Sylvia, hugging Rupert's coat tighter and half-hiding her face in the collar. Her eyes sparkled with triumph.

Rupert, meanwhile, didn't even notice Sylvia-he was too busy shielding Bridget from the press, making sure no one got too close.

Sylvia tightened her grip on her suitcase and looked away.

"Ms. Eloise, let's go."

"Yeah, our ride should be here soon. Let's head to the hotel, get some rest, and

you can join me for dinner tonight," Eloise said, checking her watch.

"Sounds good."

At the hotel.

Rupert finally let go of Bridget as they entered the suite.

Bridget was still basking in his gentle attention, refusing to take off his coat even though the room was toasty warm.

She poured a cup of coffee and

handed it to him with a bright smile. "Mr. Rupert, you must be exhausted.

up

I had some food ordered. soon." ne

"No need. You should get some rest," Rupert replied coolly, loosening his tie.

Bridget's smile only widened.

She knew Rupert was in Mountain City for business. That's why she'd arranged her and Eloise's flights and hotel to match his schedule. She'd worried he might be annoyed, but he'd been nothing but attentive the whole trip. sŵnovel

She was sure now-Rupert definitely had feelings for her.

Bridget walked up to him, and, seeing he didn't stop her, reached out to help him with his tie. Her heart fluttered as he let her.

With newfound courage, she said shyly, "Mr. Rupert, would it be alright if I stayed here and rested for a bit?"

Rupert looked down, allowing her to slip off his tie. "Sure. The master bedroom's at the end of the hall."

Bridget twirled the tie in her hands, cheeks flushed. "Then I'll wait for you."

...

The Garcia Family.

The butler knocked and entered the study, handing a tablet to Tristan, who was enjoying a cup of Earl Grey.

"It's Mr. Rupert and Ms. Simpson, sir. They've been in the same room all afternoon and haven't come out."

Tristan set his tea down and examined the photos online, his expression hard to read.

"So, he went through all this trouble just to help Bridget walk away unscathed?"

"It seems so, sir. Since they were

seen traveling together, Ms. Simpson's reputation is back to what it was-Fanny's smear

campaign didn't stick," the butler reported quietly.

Tristan set the tablet aside, but his face remained tense.

"I just can't figure Rupert out anymore. What does he really want?"

"Mr. Rupert has always been strict but protective with Ms. Simpson. If anything, it shows he truly cares for her," the butler replied.

"Truly cares, huh?" Tristan tapped the screen, his face giving nothing away.