Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 469

Tristan's face was stormy with anger, his jaw clenched tight.

The butler bowed his head respectfully and asked, "So, what would you like me to do next, sir?"

Tristan closed his eyes, thinking for a moment before opening them again. "How's Naomi coming along with the arrangements?"

"She's been thorough and enthusiastic, sir."

"Good."

Tristan shot the butler a long look.

...

Naomi stepped out of the kitchen, rubbing her aching back.

Sylvia helped her across the porch, just as Rupert came down the hallway toward them.

Naomi grinned. "Rupert, you're back!"

"Yeah." Rupert gave a short nod, his eyes flickering past Naomi and settling on Sylvia.

Sylvia dropped her gaze, her voice flat. "Uncle Rupert."

Rupert didn't reply.

Sylvia had no wish to make small talk with him. She grabbed Naomi's arm and started to leave.

But as they passed, Rupert suddenly reached out and caught Sylvia's hand.

She froze, startled, his long fingers intertwining with hers as if trying to say something without words.

was done guessing, done hoping, done driving herself crazy with

just so

look at him, and clung to Naomi as

cold as steel, stopping them both in

stiff back. "Thank you for everything. I picked up some gifts, but they're still in the car. Would you mind going with Orson to bring

face lit up. "Oh, we're all family-it was

least I can

that case, I'll go

left happily with Orson, humming

after her, but it

was coming closer, she turned and walked away,

steps before Rupert grabbed her arm and pulled

you

away, refusing to look at him or

knew it

could she do, with him

really can't stand

Sylvia spat out without

see his face, but she felt his gaze

too bad.

voice was icy, laced

chin, f , not

to face him, and

caring who

possessiveness crashed over her,

fury as she bit down on his

go, but he just frowned, then deepened the

and

of Reese's hopeful,