Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia smoothed out her dress and spun around, meeting Bridget's stunned expression head-on.

"Bridget, you can't just yank open the changing room curtain without even asking! What if I'd been in the middle of changing?"

Bridget stared at Sylvia, jealousy flickering in her eyes as she took in the simple white dress.

How could something so plain make her look even more gorgeous?

Even the boutique staff who'd seen their fair share of beautiful women-couldn't help but exchange impressed glances.

Bridget clenched her fists around the curtain, forcing a smile, only to spot the outline of a handprint smudged on the mirror behind Sylvia.

Any trace of a smile faded. She shot Sylvia a sideways look, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Wow, Sylvia, the dress you picked for the bridesmaids is so long, people might actually mistake it for a budget wedding dress."

Sylvia just laughed softly. No matter what she wore, Bridget would find something to criticize.

Seeing Tristan's frown deepen, Sylvia quickly chimed in, "Hey, it's my first time being a bridesmaid. I just figured something simple would do, you know? If you think it looks too much like a wedding dress, you pick one for me. It's your big day, Bridget. What I wear doesn't really matter."

As soon as she finished speaking, Rupert walked in, his gaze flicking over Sylvia for just a second too long.

Sylvia's cheeks burned; she dropped her eyes to the floor.

Bridget's expression tightened, but she recovered quickly, pasting on another smile. "Oh, Rupert, you're just in time. Sylvia's getting so quick with her comebacks—I can hardly keep up. I was only worried she might trip in that long dress, that's all."

Rupert settled on the couch, picking up a cup of coffee with deliberate calm. "Then pick a red one. A little color never hurt. Didn't you say you didn't care what Sylvia wore?"

bit her lip, remembering the charity gala where Sylvia had stolen the show in a stunning red

it. Sylvia was just being thoughtful, trying not to upstage me. I shouldn't

"Dad, I've got something to take care of. I'm

came

Rupert left, Tristan got to his

Splash.

of hot tea toppled,

was instantly stained, the spill blooming across

"Slipped," Tristan said coolly,

manager. "Put it onet . Bring her a

maids, will you?"

bridesmaids, will you?"

with a pale champagne-colored

popular bridesmaid dress,"

other words: the most

set his cup down, fixing Sylvia

don't forget

up on

of you.

what's expected

she didn't have a