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."

She truly did like the

house. Aren't you tired of shuttling back and forth? Besides, the main house is the real Garcia family home." Rupert's

frown disappeared immediately. "Aw,

didn't reply, just swept all the broken dishes into the

...

a little antiseptic and a bandaid did

Lester packed up the first aid kit, he

perceptive he was, but her mind was spinning with

She nodded. "Yeah."

"Let's go, then."

her up just as

a mug.

head. "No, thanks. We

"But-"

and the roads are

drive

replied, saying her goodbyes before slipping on

Lester's assistant had already

she saw Lester

a

than the last. The landscaping in

famous European architects.

entrance and impressive stonework that made the two men look

turned to Rupert,

Rupert, I

after Reese. With

coming up, I expect nothing to go

and unreadable. "Mr.