Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 466

There were two boxes on the bed, each holding a different style of nightgown- one sweet and playful, the other a bit sultry.

But nothing too risqué. The designs just had a few clever little details.

Worried Sylvia might not get the full picture, Reese pulled both nightgowns out and held them up for her to see.

Then, apparently not satisfied, she draped them in front of Sylvia for comparison.

"That's not enough," Reese declared, and went so far as to hold them each up against Sylvia's body to judge their effect.

"Sylvia, I swear, I'm so jealous of you. You're gorgeous, you've got the perfect figure—seriously, you could make a burlap sack look good."

Sylvia was caught off guard. She had to steady her breathing before managing a polite, almost bashful smile.

She instinctively pushed the nightgown away. "Oh, come on, you'd look great too. Why don't you just keep them both and we can swap sometimes?"

Reese giggled, twirling a lock of hair. "Which one should I wear first, though? I was thinking I'd save one for the night of the engagement party. You have to help me pick-the one that'll make sure Mr. Rupert can't take his eyes off me."

She blushed, but the excitement and affection in her eyes were impossible to miss.

Sylvia found herself almost flinching from the brightness of it all. She dropped her gaze, feeling a sting of envy or maybe regret.

"Reese, maybe you should ask someone else. I'm really not the best judge."

Reese pouted. "This whole Garcia family is so stuffy-who else can I ask? You're

a designer, so I know you've got good taste."

Sylvia's hand, pleading

herself to say no. She pointed at the cute,

one. It's sweet, but

"Didn't know Uncle

not what I meant,"

I think he'll like it

was pretty adorable,

glowing

nearly translucent, her face

forced a smile,

it was just a bit of fun for a married couple.

the person

Rupert loved Reese.

was

has arrived. Would you like some help unpacking?"

in the walk-in closet, thanks," Reese replied, waving her

carrying box after box into the

as Reese opened the top suitcase and started hanging up her coats right next to Rupert's

Reese suddenly frowned. "Huh?

forward, but

Rupert said Ms. Sanford's things are very valuable. We need to

clear: she was in

interjected, "Oh,

purses, honestly, they're fine.