Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Rupert looked like he'd just bitten into a lemon.

He narrowed his eyes, icy as ever. "Sylvia."

Sylvia met his gaze head on. "Did you not see what Tristan pulled today? Was it fun for you, watching us get humiliated? I'm done playing these games with you, Uncle Rupert. Whatever happened that night-we're over it."

Between them, there was nothing left-just that formal "Uncle Rupert."

A cold spark flickered in Rupert's eyes. He turned and stalked toward the trash bins by the curb.

Sylvia watched his retreating back, her feelings a tangled mess. Did she want him to fish that bag out of the garbage, or just let it go?

She couldn't help herself: with every step he took toward the bins, her nerves wound tighter.

Just as Rupert was about to catch up to the housekeeper, a shriek cut through the garden path.

Everyone turned. Reese, her prosthetic leg catching on the flagstones, had fallen hard.

Sylvia instinctively glanced at Rupert.

He stopped dead in his tracks.

Sylvia drew in a shaky breath, the taste of bitterness heavy on her tongue, weighing her down.

She already knew how this would end, but still, she couldn't help but watch Rupert turn away from the trash and rush toward Reese.

And just like that, her scarf-her favorite-was tossed into the garbage truck and driven away.

Whether it was Bridget in the past, or Reese now, Rupert had never chosen her.

Gathering herself, Sylvia straightened up and walked over, determined not to make a scene.

"Ms. Sanford, are you okay?"

Reese grinned sheepishly and hitched up her dress a bit, revealing the sleek metal of her prosthetic.

"My brother just got me this new leg. It's super comfy, but I'm still getting the hang of it. Sorry-bit embarrassing, huh?"

"Not at all. This stone path is a nightmare. I tripped out here once when it was raining and slid halfway across the yard-now that was embarrassing," Sylvia said, trying to lighten the mood.

Reese's eyes softened with gratitude.noveldrama

Falling on your face in front of your crush? She'd have rather melted into the ground.

Reese quickly changed the subject “Oh, Sylvia-did you get a chance to try the chicken soup? I saw you were busy earlier, so I asked Mr. Rupert to save you a bowl."

Sylvia's heart pinched. So it was Reese's idea.

Looking at Reese's clear, sincere eyes, Sylvia found it hard to stay upset. She smiled. "I did. Thanks."

"No problem-ow." Reese tried to stand, but her prosthesis seemed to be pinching. She winced, glancing at Rupert. "Mr. Rupert, my wheelchair's inside... would you mind...2

"Sure," Rupert said, scooping Reese up in his arms without hesitation.

As he carried her away, Reese shot Sylvia a playful look, finger to her lips in a mock shush.

She was acting, of course-but she wasn't malicious. She just wanted to be held by the guy she liked.

Sylvia nodded, realizing why every adult at the dinner table adored Reese. If they'd met under less awkward circumstances, she might've liked her too.

But she couldn't take the tension for another second. She hurried off toward the kitchen.

Just then, a housekeeper came by, pushing two empty trash bins.

Sylvia stopped her. "All gone?"

The housekeeper nodded. "Yes, ma'am. The Garcias never leave garbage out overnight."

"Right," Sylvia murmured.

Letting it go, she walked into the kitchen, where Naomi was feeding Edwin some fruit.

Sylvia sat across from them. "Edwin, can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course," Edwin said, sitting up straighter.

"From now on, I'd like to skip all Garcia family events. Big or small If Tristan insists I come, could you please make up an excuse for me? You know how he always drags my mom into it."

She didn't say it, but they both knew: it wasn't a request-it was a threat.