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

to salvage the evening as if

Sylvia snap back to reality, her phone buzzing insistently in

a message

"Come to the lounge."

"Okay," Sylvia texted back.

around. Rupert and the Garcias were nowhere in

to waste a second, Sylvia hurried toward

a glass flew right at her face. She froze, too stunned to

hit him in the temple. Shards skittered

room went dead silent, nobody daring to

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

the blood with a handkerchief. "If I don't show people what happens when they try to fool me, next time someone else will try

was no need to make a circus out of

is right, then strike hard. With the Garcias in so much trouble. lately, who knows how many people are waiting to pounce? If we just let this slide, everyone will think we're weak. I've already sent Orson

pulling out a cigarette, surveying the room like a king in his

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

the mention of murder,

on his knees, eyes narrowed at Rupert. His gaze

intense you couldn't guess what he was

he whipped around to stare at

are friends. Did you know about this? Just what are you

at?"