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."

hand,

no. She pointed

It's sweet, but

pink. "Didn't know Uncle Rupert was into

not what I

I think he'll like it too. Back in college, he used to

was

glowing

looked nearly translucent, her face pale

forced a smile,

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

was the

Rupert loved Reese.

was a knock at the

you like some help unpacking?" a

I've got it. Just put them in the walk-in closet, thanks," Reese replied,

and began carefully carrying box after box into the

top suitcase and started hanging up her coats right next to Rupert's

accessories drawer, Reese

but one of the

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

implication was clear: she

interjected, "Oh,

honestly, they're fine.