Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

The manager nodded. "Everything's been done just as you asked."

The man didn't reply. He lowered his gaze, lighting a cigarette. Through the soft haze, he murmured, "She always did look best in red."

...

Two days later.

Sylvia slipped into a pale champagne bridesmaid's dress. To avoid any trouble from Bridget, she kept her makeup minimal-just a touch of foundation and a swipe of lipstick. She didn't even bother with a glance in the mirror before heading out.

She called a cab straight to the Grand Kingstoria, the city's most luxurious hotel.

By the time she arrived, the place was buzzing. Photographers swarmed the entrance, and guests were the kind of people you only ever saw in glossy magazines or on social media-old money, socialites, and the who's who of high society. Rupert's wedding was clearly the event of the year.

Sylvia was a bridesmaid, but Bridget hadn't involved her in any of the wedding planning. It was obvious Bridget's only reason for having her there was to make things awkward.

When the ceremony was about to start, Sylvia finally dragged herself into the prep room. She'd promised Tristan she'd at least go through the motions.

As soon as she walked in, the stylists stopped in their tracks, openly stunned. The simple bridesmaid dress somehow made Sylvia's beauty even more striking. If she hadn't told them, they'd have thought she was wearing a custom designer gown.

make a potato sack look

was getting and gripped her own dress tight. She shot Sylvia a look,

moment alone? I

the door closed, Bridget dropped

all you want, but you're still just the bridesmaid. I'm

a cool look. "Don't worry, Bridget. I'm not here to steal your thunder. I

"Really?"

without warning, ripped the sleeve of her

just realized I don't need a bridesmaid after

finally boiling over. She yanked off the other sleeve herself, baring both pale arms, and offered a calm, almost mocking smite. "Well, since Ms. Simpson herself insisted I be here, even if you throw me to the wolves, I

out."

knocked on the door. "Ms. Simpson, the ceremony's

gestured toward the door.

her jaw so hard Sylvia could hear her teeth grind, but

even want you as my bridesmaid. That was Rupert's idea-said it was his

her chin like a queen and swept

she followed her into the grand ballroom, taking her place behind Bridget as the wedding march began. She lifted

lights made him look