Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 472

Engagement Party Day

Naomi was up by five in the morning, determined to make a good impression on Tristan. She moved quietly through the house, checking and double-checking everything for the big day. Sylvia, worried about her, got up too, and together the two women spent two hours making sure every little detail was perfect.

Finally, exhausted, they made their way back to the kitchen, only to find Edwin Garcia-who'd been up working late the night before-already bustling around. "Hey, you two! Breakfast is ready. Come eat while it's hot," Edwin called out, waving them over.

It was a Garcia family tradition: their kids would be sent out into the world when they were young to learn some life skills. Edwin's cooking was a result of those years away-not exactly gourmet, but hearty and surprisingly good.

He tugged Naomi down into a chair and gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. Naomi managed a tired but genuine smile. "You got in so late last night. You didn't have to get up and cook for us."

Edwin grinned, pouring her a cup of coffee. "You two have been going nonstop these past few days. Making breakfast is the least I can do."

Sylvia watched them, suddenly understanding why Naomi put up with so much for Edwin. She lifted her bowl and joked, "Alright, alright, enough you two. If you keep this up, I'm going to sneak off and eat alone."

Naomi and Edwin both laughed, a quiet comfort settling over the kitchen.

Edwin glanced at his watch, then accepted the suit jacket a housekeeper handed him. "You guys finish eating. I have to go meet Rupert and the other cousins-we need to check in with Tristan before the ceremony. And when the time comes, we'll be taking Ms. Sanford to pay respects to the family ancestors."

she and

her oatmeal, eating slowly, lost in thought as daylight crept in through

Tristan says everything for the blessing ceremony has to be set up early. He's worried Ms. Sanford might

pressed her lips together and nodded. "Alright,

on the couch scrolling through her phone. "Tristan also said Ms. Lloyd's worked hard these past couple of days. She's invited to

thumb froze over her screen,

tugging Sylvia up. "Why are you

a tired, wry smile. Tristan's message was clear-he wanted her there just to make a

"Wait here," she said, disappearing for a moment

I know Tristan's hoping people will laugh at you, but you're not going to give him

the box, surprised.

something, too-I was saving it for your engagement, but... things change. You can

dreamed of

life. But

had happened, she realized