Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Hearing Sylvia's words, Edwin's face grew even more serious-he understood the real message behind what she said.

From now on, they wouldn't be family. Not even distant relatives.

"Sylvia, you've been through so much," he said quietly.

"Edwin, please, just take care of my mom, okay?" Sylvia smiled as she asked, her voice gentle.

Naomi wanted to scold Sylvia, but the memory of the three of them squeezed into the kitchen earlier-just sharing a plate of scrambled eggs and toast-made her realize she was the one holding Sylvia back.

She was the reason Sylvia kept coming back, enduring humiliation, again and again.

Swallowing her pride, Naomi forced a smile. "Take care of yourself, sweetheart." "I will. I'm leaving now."

Sylvia slung her backpack over her shoulder and walked out, not looking back.

A few minutes later, the butler entered the kitchen.

"Mr. Edwin, Mrs. Naomi-Ms. Sanford is leaving."

"Okay. We're coming."

Edwin straightened his shirt and gently took Naomi's hand, leading her toward the foyer.

The butler spoke again, "Mr. Tristan asked if Ms. Lloyd could come out to say goodbye as well."

"Sylvia already left. She had things to do," Edwin replied curtly.

"Perhaps you could call her back to see the guests off? Mr. Tristan is still waiting," the butler pressed.

"What's that supposed to mean? Is Ms. Sanford not allowed to leave without Sylvia? Maybe you'd like to run this house instead of me! My daughter doesn't need your directions," Edwin snapped, his patience gone.

"N-no, sir. Of course not," the butler stammered, taking two steps back.

With a huff, Edwin marched Naomi out.

Under the porch, Tristan saw Sylvia wasn't with them and immediately barked, "No manners at all!"

Hands folded behind his back, Edwin replied, "Dad, in our house, we don't have a rule about keeping our own family away from the dinner table."

"You-" Tristan's brow furrowed. He changed tack. "Let her know that in a few days we're hosting the Reeds for dinner. Tell her to show up on time and try not to embarrass herself!"

"No. She won't be coming back. From now on, whatever happens with the Garcias has nothing to do with her. She doesn't need to be anyone's witness anymore. This ends here."

Edwin had always hoped that if Tristan spent enough time around Sylvia, he'd grow to like her.

But he was wrong.

Family or not, if you didn't fit Tristan's standards, he'd never warm up to you.

Tristan's face grew red with anger, just as Reese and Rupert came out together. Instantly, Tristan switched to a beaming smile.

"Reese, let Rupert drive you home."

"Thank you," Reese said. She glanced around. "Where's Sylvia? Isn't she coming?"

Tristan was ready with a biting

remark, but Edwin cut in, "Ms. Sanford, Sylvia had to leave

early work's keeping her busy these days, so she won't be joining us for dinner."

Reese looked a little disappointed but nodded. "That's all right. I could tell from the

start she's smart and capable."

"Mr. Rupert, shall we?"

She reached for her wheelchair controls, but Rupert just stood there, lost in thought.

"Mr. Rupert? Are you alright?"

He snapped back, his eyes cool, “It's nothing. Let's get you in the car."

Once he helped Reese into the car and Orson packed up the wheelchair, they left

the Garcia estate.

All the way home, Reese

chatted about college days, aboutnoveldrama

learning to walk again after her amputation. She didn't complain, just seemed to want to connect with

the quiet man beside her.

Just as she was telling a story about rescuing a stray kitten, Rupert pressed his

lips together.

"Pull over."

Reese flushed. "Am I talking too much?"

"No. I just remembered something. Orson will take you the rest of the way."

Without another word, Rupert stepped out of the car.

Reese's face went pale. She reached out, trying to stop him. "Mr. Rupert, my brother would really like to meet you in a few days..."