Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia.

Her again.

She let out a sharp, cold laugh, her voice low so only Rupert could hear. "If I can't

have her, then no one can. And you don't even think about it."

Right then, a motorcycle roared straight into the ballroom, sending guests scrambling and ducking behind tables and chairs.

The bike screeched to a halt right in front of Bridget. The rider stretched out a hand. “Bridget, come on! Let's get out of here!"

Without hesitating, Bridget grabbed their hand and swung onto the back of the bike. In a split second, they were gone, tearing out of the wedding and leaving chaos behind.

As they sped past, Bridget shot Sylvia a venomous look-a look that promised this wasn't over.

Up on the dais, Rupert's cool voice cut through the stunned silence.

"The bride's taken off-wedding's over. Folks, help yourselves to some food before you go."

Like this had nothing to do with him at all.

The event staff jumped into action, switching the wedding music to some mellow

trying to salvage the evening as if nothing had

reality, her phone buzzing insistently in her

a message from

"Come to the lounge."

"Okay," Sylvia texted back.

around. Rupert and the Garcias were nowhere

to waste a second, Sylvia hurried toward the

glass flew right at her face.

glass hit him in the temple. Shards skittered to the floor,

room went dead silent,

his voice seething. "Do you even know where we are right now? Why'd you have to say all

what happens when they

to make a circus out of

many people are waiting to pounce? If we just let this slide, everyone will think we're weak. I've already sent Orson to talk to the guests. They know

handkerchief aside and sat down, pulling out a cigarette, surveying the room like a

he absently spun the signet ring on his thumb. "What, you think I went too far?

mention of murder, Tristan's

stiffly, fists clenched on his knees,

dark and intense you couldn't guess what he was

whipped around to stare at

know about this? Just what

at?"