Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 473

Sylvia walked along the covered walkway, the sound of her heels echoing softly. Across the koi pond, on the opposite side, Rupert and his entourage approached.

Rupert led the group, as always. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, his posture straight and elegant, his striking features almost impossibly handsome- like someone sketched out of a charcoal portrait.

He was as cold and crisp as fresh-fallen snow, as composed and mysterious as the midnight sea.

His gaze slid right past Sylvia, not lingering even a second. In fact, he seemed to pick up his pace, heading straight for Reese.

Getting engaged to someone you love-of course you'd be eager.

Sylvia and Rupert passed each other, moving in opposite directions, their stories no longer intertwined.

When the sound of party poppers burst behind her, Sylvia knew Rupert had met up with Reese.

The Family Room.

Sylvia and Naomi arranged the offerings for the family's annual remembrance. When footsteps sounded behind them, they instinctively stepped to the side.

Tristan was the first to enter.

It was a surprise when, glancing around, he praised Naomi right in front of everyone. "Naomi, you did great. Get involved in family affairs more often and you'll get used to it."

With just those words, the Garcia relatives began eyeing Naomi with newfound respect.

Naomi straightened up and smiled. "It's what I should do."

took his seat, his eyes lingered on Sylvia with a look she couldn't quite

tightness gripped Sylvia's chest, a faint sense of unease-but Tristan said nothing further, so she forced

down today, she figured Tristan wouldn't have

later, a commotion stirred at the

faces lit up as they walked in,

hadn't seen it for herself, she never would

swept up

dress, her laughter warming the entire

of speeches, it was

already prepared to go

he said, pointing at

Naomi hastily interjected, "The candle-lighting includes

just a blessing-can't be that hard to say a few

"Alright."

walking slowly

and Ms. Sanford happiness and a long, joyful life together," she said with a calm smile, her voice surprisingly steady-so much so

he took the candle, his eyes flicking over Sylvia

if searching for something.

away without another

eyes on

linked arms with Naomi and left the room. She even made polite small talk with the

over t@ingratiate themselves.ne

acting as if the