Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 436

Rupert looked like he'd just bitten into a lemon.

He narrowed his eyes, icy as ever. "Sylvia."

Sylvia met his gaze head on. "Did you not see what Tristan pulled today? Was it fun for you, watching us get humiliated? I'm done playing these games with you, Uncle Rupert. Whatever happened that night-we're over it."

Between them, there was nothing left-just that formal "Uncle Rupert."

A cold spark flickered in Rupert's eyes. He turned and stalked toward the trash bins by the curb.

Sylvia watched his retreating back, her feelings a tangled mess. Did she want him to fish that bag out of the garbage, or just let it go?

She couldn't help herself: with every step he took toward the bins, her nerves wound tighter.

Just as Rupert was about to catch up to the housekeeper, a shriek cut through the garden path.

Everyone turned. Reese, her prosthetic leg catching on the flagstones, had fallen hard.

Sylvia instinctively glanced at Rupert.

stopped dead in his

taste of bitterness heavy on

but still, she couldn't help but watch

her scarf-her favorite-was tossed into the garbage

past, or Reese now, Rupert had never

Sylvia straightened up and walked over, determined not to

Sanford, are you

grinned sheepishly and hitched up her dress a

me this new leg. It's super comfy,

path is a nightmare. I tripped out here once when it was raining and slid halfway across the yard-now that was embarrassing," Sylvia said, trying to lighten the

eyes softened

face in front of your crush? She'd

the chicken soup? I saw you were

pinched. So it

sincere eyes, Sylvia found it hard to

but her prosthesis seemed to be pinching. She winced, glancing at Rupert. "Mr. Rupert, my wheelchair's inside... would you

Reese up in his arms without

Reese shot Sylvia a playful look, finger to her

just wanted to be held by