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."

his seat, his eyes lingered on Sylvia with a

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

her head down today, she figured Tristan wouldn't have reason to

a commotion stirred at

lit up

it for herself, she never would have believed the Garcia family could all smile

swept up in Reese's infectious

wore a long red velvet dress, her

long, drawn-out round of speeches, it was finally time for the candle-

to go forward when

up," he said, pointing

candle-lighting includes a blessing, and Sylvia's not

blessing-can't be that hard to say a few nice words, right?"

"Alright."

took the candle, walking slowly to Rupert and

joyful life together," she said with a calm

as he took the

if searching for something.

turned away without another

eyes on her back long

the family rite ended, Sylvia linked arms with Naomi and left the room. She even made polite small talk

over t@ingratiate themselves.ne

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