Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 431

Let's Call It Settling a Debt...

Favors.

Tristan let out a dry laugh at the word.

At the Garcia Manor.

The butler knocked politely and entered, finding Tristan in the sunroom, practicing slow, deliberate movements of tai chi-well, in this version, more like some gentle stretching routine or morning yoga, just to keep fit. The butler waited patiently at the side, hands clasped.

Catching sight of him, Tristan ended his routine, wiped his brow with a towel handed over by a maid, and waved everyone else out of the room.

Once they'd all left, Tristan sat down heavily, still dabbing away the sweat.

"How did things go with Patrick? When he gets back, I need to have a word with him-he's the eldest, yet he's throwing tantrums over some woman."

The butler handed him a mug of black coffee, his expression grave. "The people we sent to deal with that woman and her kid reported back..."

Tristan's frown deepened. "Reported what?"

"There was a fire at Mr. Patrick's diner a few days ago. The blaze wasn't huge, but the whole family-three of them-died from smoke inhalation."

"Ridiculous!"

Tristan slammed his cup down, coffee splashing. He knew instantly this was no accident.

"But... the whole family's records have been wiped. It's like they never existed." The butler's voice was tight with frustration.

color faded, his face turning ashen. He

else could pull this off?" he

speak the name on his mind. His hands clenched

exasperated. "Well? Are you going to

handed over the

far

knew she was nothing

you shouldn't get worked up." The butler tried to

shoved him away. "I'm not so old I need help standing! What about the other

"We've made contact."

to set

New Year's Day.

studio's new collection launch

a spectacular comeback, and with her help, Sylvia had finally stolen some of the spotlight,

the celebration to be crashed by the absolute last person they wanted

Eloise's ex-husband.

Panicking the sight, she whisked him away to the green room before the press could catch

at

had taken Eloise months

remarried-having a

later, Sylvia quietly

was waiting, her face tightened. "What

like this. I'm divorced now. Honestly, you're the only one

didn't buy that

your divorce have to do with me? Don't drag

together for years. I've lost everything. You can't