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!"

warmer, hurrying to

over the display cases. Around them, the dark made it hard to see

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

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

a

low voice murmured, meant for her ears alone. Sylvia

Rupert,

time, rubbing her hand as

was burning up with nerves, prickling with

everyone

lifted her foot and

spat, "Uncle

voice teasing and dangerous. "Got your strength back. Guess you're

for the shadows that

palm. His eyes flicked to her ear, the ghost of a smile on his lips before

exhibit hall when Bridget's shriek pierced the

you

came up to me!" chuckled a big man with doughy

face was thunderous as she retreated

show

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

she saw the seamstress who'd helped her earlier