Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 456

Wedding dress?

Sylvia couldn't help but laugh at the irony.

This was the second time she'd been asked to help pick out a wedding dress- both times for one of Rupert's women.

It almost felt like these weddings couldn't happen unless she was there to witness them.

She glanced at Reese, who was beaming with genuine, uncomplicated happiness -so different from Bridget's calculated charm. Reese's invitation was sincere, which only made Sylvia feel more like the villain.

She was about to come up with an excuse to say no when her phone buzzed.

A sinking feeling hit her. Sure enough, it was a message from Naomi.

"Tristan wants me to help organize Rupert and Ms. Sanford's engagement party." Sylvia felt like she couldn't breathe.

Whether Naomi would end up on the wrong side of the Sanford or Garcia families —or walk away unscathed-seemed to depend entirely on Sylvia's response.

Her hands shook as she typed back.

"Got it."

Reese must've noticed something was off. "Sylvia, are you okay?" she asked gently.

Sylvia took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “I'm fine. I'll help you pick out your dress."

out for dinner as a thank you," Reese said

"Yeah, sure."

barely heard her, nodding

jumped up. "It's a date then! I'll text you

"Okay."

returned to her office-only to be immediately

as fancy

low-key! Not a single brand logo on her, but

them off. “You'll

And she was right.

as the burning sunset glowed against the snowy city, the massive screen in the central plaza lit up with happy news from both

it herself she and Rupert grinning in front of a fairytale castle at Disneyland, fireworks bursting behind

together

deserved it. So did

away and

a car horn sounded

A sleek car pulled up, the window slid down, and

appointed to buy you dinner. Reese says I owe you one," Lester said with a

"I was just joking with

open the passenger door. "C'mon- don't

Tristan Garcia breathing down her neck, she figured it

but dinner's

gesturing for her to