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

Sylvia and, a little awkwardly, continued

grabbed Sylvia's hand. "Come

Won't the banners fade before the wedding?" Sylvia looked down at the paper hearts they'd cut

It's just the engagement, but I want it to feel

Sylvia's hand paused mid-air.

allowed into Rupert's wing of the house. Bridget had dreamed

lady of the house

ask my mom. I don't

Reese said, cheeks flushing. "Your mom is my sister-in-law, but there's a big age

"What's up?"

tell you after we finish

natural, easygoing vibe made

couldn't climb up and down easily, so Sylvia did

sleeve slipped, revealing angry red

arm.

what happened to your

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

with jasmine in it. Scratched it too much last night,

got some prescription

family's doctor in Switzerland-can't