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."

squeezed Sylvia's hand, pleading

bring herself to say no. She

It's sweet, but

Uncle

I meant," Sylvia stammered,

he'll like it too. Back in

I was pretty

beamed, glowing with

reflection in the window looked nearly translucent, her face pale

forced a smile, playing

of fun for a married couple. What

mattered was the person

Rupert loved Reese.

there was a

your luggage has arrived. Would you like some help unpacking?"

Just put them in

nodded and began carefully carrying

and started hanging up her coats right next to

Reese suddenly frowned.

a step forward, but one

Ms. Sanford's things are very

implication was clear: she was

quickly interjected, "Oh,

they're