Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 461

Reese leaned in, sniffing curiously. "I picked up vanilla-scented candles—are they too much? Go on, sit down. I'll tidy up. You're my guest, and here you are doing the dishes. I feel terrible!"

Sylvia could tell Reese wasn't trying to play the perfect hostess-she was just being genuine.

But seeing Reese's bright, easy smile only made Sylvia's guilt twist in her stomach, her face going pale.

Reese's eyes widened in concern. "Oh my gosh, you're not allergic to vanilla, are you? You look white as a sheet. Please, sit down. I'll make you some tea."

"Thank you," Sylvia managed, and followed Lester out of the kitchen.

From behind, Reese called playfully, "Mr. Rupert, how could you just stand there and let Sylvia do the dishes? I'll take care of it."

She reached for the dishes, but Rupert stepped in right away.

"Don't worry, I've got it."

Sylvia heard this and couldn't help a bitter little laugh, quickening her pace as she left.

Once the others had gone, Rupert began clearing up the broken plate, his gaze lingering on the spot of blood. His eyes were dark and unreadable.

"Did you take your meds?" he asked quietly.

Reese's smile faltered. "I did. Geez, you sound more naggy than my brother."

Noticing he was still staring at the mess, she quickly changed the subject. "Maybe we should just get a dishwasher. I really don't want to hire someone and lose our privacy."

"I'll take you to the main house tomorrow," Rupert said.

"Why? I like it here."

crumpled a little. She truly did

of shuttling back and forth? Besides, the main house is the real Garcia family home." Rupert's

that seemed to please Reese. Her frown disappeared immediately. "Aw, you

just swept all the broken dishes into the

...

a little antiseptic

aid kit,

how perceptive he was, but her mind was spinning with everything that had

She nodded. "Yeah."

"Let's go, then."

up just as Rupert and Reese

over a mug. "Sylvia, here's

her head. "No, thanks. We should

"But-"

the roads are still icy," Lester

drive safe,

before slipping on her boots and heading

Lester's assistant had already pulled

barely climbed into the backseat when she saw Lester and Rupert descending the steps

was a

last. The landscaping in front of each was designed

famous European architects.

two men look like heirs straight out

turned to Rupert,

Rupert, I trust

after Reese.

I expect nothing to go

gaze was cold and unreadable. "Mr. Sanford,