Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

On their way to the foyer, Sylvia and Naomi spotted the butler hurrying toward the family chapel with the Garcia family elders in tow.

"Mom, why's everyone heading to the chapel?" Sylvia asked, puzzled.

Naomi craned her neck, looking anxious. "Oh no, something big's about to go down."

Worried about Edwin, she grabbed Sylvia's hand and hurried after the crowd.

The chapel was packed with people, everyone standing stiffly in two lines. Sylvia quickly pulled Naomi to the very end, trying to stay out of sight.

She glanced up toward the altar and saw even the elders who rarely showed their faces had been summoned.

Rupert and Tristan sat at the front, incense curling around them, their faces grave and severe.

In the middle of the room, Warren was kneeling, jaw clenched in shame.

Beside him, Fiona's face was ghostly pale, her composure shattered. She was sobbing and yelling, nothing left of her usual Mrs. Fiona grace.

"Edwin! What's your deal? Warren got hurt because of your little charity-case daughter, and you just brought him back here like nothing happened?"

I really need to explain to everyone here why he

any excuse, snapped, "The Garcias raised Sylvia for years. So what if she has to

but house rules were clear-no

to speak up, but Naomi beat her to it. Naomi stormed forward and slapped Fiona so hard she knocked

didn't get up, just huddled next to the silent

carry a baby in one arm and groceries in the other, back in the day. Even after years of pampered living, she had no trouble dealing

someone else's daughter to the wolves and act like you're doing a good deed? I heard Americans don't care about age-how come you never offered yourself

For once, her voice was strong and clear. "I know you all look down on me! I've kept my head down all these years just to keep the peace. Well, if this is how

the table. "Who said you could speak here?

flinched, her courage faltering as she

to block her mother, standing firm. "Don't touch

glared at Sylvia,

room fell silent-no one moved to obey

his coffee

not be hasty," Rupert said

narrowed his eyes

sneer. "What's there to discuss? Warren wouldn't have done this Sylvia hadn't led