Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 465

Reese had already started calling Naomi "sister-in-law" with such ease, it was clear Naomi had accepted her as family, too.

"Yeah." Sylvia slipped into a seat, her gaze catching on the guest list nearby. "Wow, that's a lot of guests?"

Reese grinned. "You think that's a lot? We only invited the really close family and friends from both sides. Everyone else has to wait until the wedding."

Sylvia glanced down at the list-nearly two hundred names. She quickly shut her mouth. Both families were huge, and connections were never in short supply.

Noticing Sylvia's discomfort, Naomi smoothly changed the topic. "So, Reese, where were we just now?"

"Oh, right," Reese sighed, "about the order of paying respects as Rupert's wife. So much hassle!"

Naomi chuckled. "It's not a hassle. Rupert's the heir, the future head of the Garcia family. Everything starts with him, and as his wife, you go first. Simple as that."

Reese propped her chin in her hand, eyes dreamy and full of admiration. "I always said he was amazing. Back in college, he was first at everything-graduated fastest, too. People used to joke he must've had a sweetheart waiting back home, the way he hurried through everything."

Naomi jumped in protectively, "Oh, that's not true. Rupert is super careful about relationships. If Bridget hadn't pretended to be someone she wasn't, you would've been his only..."

She caught herself, suddenly remembering Sylvia was still there.

"His only what?" Reese asked, curious.

"Fiancée," Naomi quickly recovered.

"That's all in the past. Go

at Sylvia and, a little awkwardly, continued with

"Come help me

little early? Won't the banners fade before the wedding?" Sylvia looked down

"We're just putting them up at me and Mr. Rupert's place. It's just the engagement, but I want it to feel special. Besides,

Sylvia's hand paused mid-air.

family was allowed into Rupert's wing of the house. Bridget had dreamed of just setting foot inside, but never even

lady of the

masked her surprise and smiled. "Reese, for anything else, better ask my mom.

not about that," Reese said, cheeks flushing. "Your mom is my sister-in-law, but there's a big age gap. Some things are just easier to talk about with

"What's up?"

you after we finish with the decorations,"

Reese's natural, easygoing vibe made Sylvia smile,

up and down easily, so Sylvia did the honors, standing on a stool

slipped, revealing angry red scratch marks

arm.

eyes widened. "Sylvia, what

sleeve down. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just a little allergic

it. Scratched it too much last

got some

Switzerland-can't