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.

dead in his

in a shaky breath, the taste of bitterness heavy on her tongue, weighing her

this would end, but still, she couldn't help but watch Rupert turn away from the

just like that, her scarf-her favorite-was tossed into the

it was Bridget in the past, or Reese now, Rupert had never chosen

Sylvia straightened up and walked over, determined not to make a

Sanford, are you

up her dress a bit, revealing

new leg. It's super comfy, but I'm still getting the hang of it. Sorry-bit embarrassing,

out here once when it was raining and slid halfway across the yard-now that was embarrassing," Sylvia said, trying

softened

of your

Sylvia-did you get a chance to try the chicken soup? I saw you were busy earlier, so I asked

So it was Reese's

eyes, Sylvia found it hard to stay upset. She smiled.

but her prosthesis seemed to be pinching. She

Rupert said, scooping Reese up in his arms without

her away, Reese shot Sylvia a playful

was acting, of course-but she wasn't malicious. She just