Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Ding.

The elevator doors slid open to reveal a brightly lit corridor. Standing there, Sylvia could peer through the glass walls on either side, granting her a bird's-eye view of the building's interior.

At the end of the corridor stood a pair of impressive double doors made of solid wood, simple yet exuding a sense of authority.

The assistant cautiously pushed open the door, and Sylvia was greeted with a sight of a sprawling two- story office space that spanned across two hundred square meters.

A row of floor-to-ceiling windows offered an almost panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape.noveldrama

A spiral staircase led upwards, presumably to Rupert's private quarters.

The sunlit tiles on the floor left Sylvia momentarily awestruck.

This was, in fact, her first foray into Rupert's professional domain.

Nearby, Edwin, who had been sitting at a small conference table, stood up at the sound of their arrival. "Sylvia, what brings you up here?"

Snapping back to reality, Sylvia lifted the thermal bag she was holding, "I brought you lunch. My mom says you've been working too hard lately, so I went out of my way to order this for you."

"It seems like a lot of trouble for you to go through."

Despite Edwin's words, his actions betrayed his delight as he eagerly accepted the thermal bag.

Just as he was about to sit down, he noticed something else in Sylvia's hands.

"What's that?"

"Oh, it's Rupert's jacket. He thought I was underdressed yesterday, so he lent it to me. Since I was coming over to bring you lunch, I figured I'd return it as well."

Looking around, Sylvia realized Rupert wasn't in sight.

Picking up on her gaze, Edwin explained, "Rupert had a fever spike to over 103°F after his meeting this morning. It's a wonder he even made it through."

"That high? Shouldn't he be in the hospital?" Sylvia asked, her concern evident as she clutched the thermal bag tighter.

"He refused. Instead, he had Chris come over to check on him. He's upstairs getting IV fluids now," Edwin gestured upwards.

Such dedication.

Sylvia paused, a mix of emotions brewing within her.

She glanced upwards, noting a small bar area that probably bordered Rupert's private room, yet unable to see anything specific.

Well, she wasn't there for Rupert anyway.

Setting the jacket down on the sofa, she urged, "Edwin, you should eat while it's hot."

"Sure thing."

Edwin sat down to eat, and Sylvia took the opportunity to admire the office, wandering closer to the floor- to-ceiling windows near the desk.

"This place is beautiful. Edwin, do you mind if I take a photo?"

"Go ahead, just..."

"Don't post it online, I know. I just want it for myself," Sylvia finished for him.

Edwin nodded with a smile.

Sylvia took out her phone and began searching for the perfect angle, eventually settling in front of the desk.

The desk was tidy, with documents neatly arranged, and everything in its place.

But after searching twice, Sylvia couldn't find any trace of the project Bailey had mentioned.

Even the bookshelf was thoroughly scanned.

It had to be with Rupert, especially with the contract signing imminent. Given Kis cautious nature, he would surely be keeping a close eye on it.

Could it be upstairs...

This

By this time, Edwin had finished meal. He walked over to the sofa and opened the bag Sylvia hade

brought, finding another bad

of

medicine inside.

With a light chuckle, he teased, "Sylvia, did you come to check on Rupert?"

Sylvia quickly denied, "No!"

"What's this then?" Edwin picked up the bag of medicine.

"Considering his illness might have something to do with you, it makes sense to show some concern. Why don't you go up and see him?" He handed the medicine bag back to Sylvia.

Clutching the medicine bag tightly, Sylvia weighed her options.

She wasn't exactly on par with Rupert when it came to scheming and feared he might see right through

her.

As she pondered, Orson walked in with a bowl of steaming chicken soup, pausing briefly upon seeing Sylvia.