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."

nodded, and as he took his seat, his eyes lingered on Sylvia

of unease-but Tristan said nothing further, so she

kept her head down today, she figured Tristan wouldn't

a commotion stirred at

hand in hand with Reese. Everyone's faces lit up as they

never would have believed

too, swept up

velvet dress, her laughter warming

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

already prepared to go forward when Tristan spoke

he said, pointing at

froze. Naomi hastily interjected, "The candle-lighting includes

to say a few nice words, right?" Tristan

"Alright."

walking

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

hand paused as he took the candle, his eyes flicking over Sylvia

if searching for something.

away without another

feel eyes on

linked arms with Naomi and left the

over t@ingratiate themselves.ne

as if the earlienevents meant