Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 449

"What's that supposed to mean? I'm not too old to run this house!"

Tristan hated to admit he was getting older-nothing scared him more. Rupert, unfazed, replied, "Just saying, your health comes first."

Tristan froze in his seat, his face tight with annoyance.

But after years of keeping the Garcia family together, he composed himself quickly, his expression returning to its usual calm.

He slid two documents across the table to Rupert, changing the subject. "The Christmas dinner guest list. Take a look."

Rupert opened it.

The names were mostly the same as every year, except... Naomi's.

Tristan's voice was cold. "She's still your sister-in-law. No matter what, she's part of this family. Now that Fiona's gone, it's time Naomi stepped up and contributed."

"Is that so?"

Rupert met his gaze, unblinking.

Tristan pointed to the next document, eyes sharp. "Your mother's share transfer agreement."

"Rupert, I know what's really going on between you and Bridget-it's all just for show, isn't it? You're only trying to protect someone else, right?"

"I can give you what you want. Just marry Reese. That's your duty to the Garcia family-and to her."

the butler, who tossed another log into the

the flames caught, Rupert's face was cast in flickering shadow, colder than

to keep her perfect attendance record before the holidays, but last night's icy walk

slept through the morning, missing three or four

the police! Are you okay?" Eloise's voice

Sylvia mumbled. “Just

Eloise gasped. "No more talking-get to the

a pill in her mouth, and drifted off

time passed. Her skin was hot

prevelids sticky angel

Everything around her was

upright, she

spun

on

made it

on her silver thermos, sitting on

"Water... need water..."

but her knee caught the coffee table and

mid-fall, strong and cold from the

her face to the

was.

the