Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 347

As Chris liked to put it, people her age usually had plenty of energy-eight or nine out of ten, easy.

But Sylvia? She was running on half that, if she was lucky.

And she'd even been warned to ration what little she had left.

Maybe that was just the price of getting a second chance at life.

Sylvia snapped back to reality, trying to act cool and carry on.

But the man beside her gave a little wave of his hand. "Go check out the front."

Mr. Lennon, ever the eager host, jumped in, "Good eye, Mr. Rupert. All the rare gems are up there. This way, please."

Rupert nodded and walked past Sylvia, barely glancing her way.

Suddenly, Sylvia felt a rush of warmth in her palm. She froze, startled.

Once everyone else had moved ahead, she opened her hand.

A palm-sized hand warmer, soft and pink, sat in her palm.

How on earth did Rupert have something like this?

"Sylvia!" Mr. Lennon called from up ahead.

"Coming!"

the hand warmer, hurrying to catch

gemstone gallery was dim, lit only by spotlights over the display cases. Around them, the dark made it hard

the edge, ready to chime in and clap at Mr. Lennon's

her, and suddenly a clean, cool scent swept in. Someone's breath was warm

a hand closed gently

Sylvia stiffened, trying to pull away, but

couldn't budge. She hissed quietly, "Uncle Rupert, are you crazy? There are people

hand as if he hadn't heard

with nerves, prickling with fear

everyone to the

lifted her foot and ground her

spat, "Uncle

"Got your strength

for the

finally let her go-and slipped another hand warmer into her palm. His eyes flicked to her

barely left the exhibit hall when Bridget's

you think you

up to me!" chuckled a

as she retreated to

show wrapped

Eloise, Sylvia met a few designers, chatting and smiling as she was introduced

came out, she saw the seamstress who'd helped her earlier hurrying out the side door, panic written all over her