Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

She fluttered the check between her fingers and tried to slip it into Sylvia's hand. Sylvia could only stare, caught somewhere between shock and disbelief.

Was this woman seriously trying to bribe her into letting her husband take a mistress?

Sylvia gave a bright, almost mocking smile as she waved the check in the air. "Wow, you really are the generous Mrs. Garcia. But you know what? I think we should ask Tristan first. Come on, let's go find him. I bet he and the rest of the family will be absolutely overwhelmed by how 'thoughtful' you are."

At the mention of Tristan, Bridget's smug expression faltered. She suddenly looked as if her high heels were glued to the floor.

"So you're scared too, huh?" Sylvia grinned, tossing the check back at Bridget's face. “Bridget, drop the whole 'I'm-so-magnanimous' act. If you've got so much time to try and humiliate me, maybe you should focus on holding onto your man. What's wrong? Even having his kid isn't enough to keep him? Maybe try popping out a couple more-aren't you supposed to be an expert by now?"

"You-you're talking nonsense!" Bridget's face drained of color.

"Then stop messing with me!"

Sylvia turned on her heel and strode away.

Bridget was seething, lips curled in frustration, but after a deep breath she managed to plaster on a sweet, innocent smile.

"Sylvia, I know you find this insulting, but... this was Mr. Rupert's idea. He even set the amount. Do you really think I'd come to you without his say-so?"

Sylvia stopped, tightening her grip on the paper bag she carried.

Bridget was a master manipulator-she could play any part to perfection. Sylvia knew there was always an angle with her.

Still, she wasn't wrong about one thing.

Without Rupert's blessing, Bridget wouldn't dare to say any of this in the Garcia household.

Sensing Sylvia's hesitation, Bridget took a step closer-too close-raising her hand as if to comfort her. "Sylvia, don't be stupid. The check is for this much because that's what you're worth. You think some other woman would get this kind of offer?"

That's what you're worth.

The words echoed in Sylvia's mind, numbing her. She barely registered Bridget's hand resting heavily on her shoulder.

Bridget's eyes narrowed, a glint of malice flashing across her face.

But before either could say more, a deep voice sounded from behind them.

"Bridget, are you done yet?"

Bridget dropped her hand immediately, spinning around with a syrupy smile for the approaching man. "Mr. Rupert, all done."

The

snapped Sylvia out of her stupor With a hollow look one

eyes, she turned and hurried

not sparing him a backward glance.

So it really was Rupert who sent Bridget here to humiliate her.

...

In the car.

Rupert glanced down at his paperwork, speaking absently: "When did you find out you were pregnant?"

A flush crept over Bridget's cheeks.

"It was

Aspene night we got back from

I came over to check on you, and then... well..."

"Mm." Rupert flipped another page, his expression unchanged.

Bridget froze. Her excitement fizzled out as quickly as it had appeared.

But she was good at this game. Her smile was as soft as ever as she reached for

Rupert's hand. "Mr. Rupert, aren't you happy?"

Rupert closed his file and smoothly sidestepped her touch, his gaze dark and unreadable.

"I'm happy," he said, voice unreadable.

Bridget kept smiling, but her fingers twisted the hem of her floral dress so tightly she nearly tore it.

She searched Rupert's face for any sign of real emotion, but all she felt under his piercing stare was a chill in her chest.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

She turned away to answer, listening for a moment before her brow furrowed. She hung up abruptly.

Drawing a shaky breath, Bridget

pointed to the next intersection. "Mr.

Rupert, my friend's waiting for me up

ahead. You can let me out at the corner."

He nodded. "Alright."

The car pulled over, and Bridget waved with a bright, fake smile as she got out.

As soon as Rupert drove away, Bridget's cheerful mask dropped. She snatchednoveldrama

her phone and redialed, her voice trembling with anger.

"Freya Stewart! What the hell are you playing at?!"