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."

eyes lingered on

a faint sense of unease-but Tristan said nothing further,

she kept her head down today, she figured

minutes later, a commotion

in hand with Reese. Everyone's faces lit up

never would have believed the

found herself smiling, too, swept up in

long red velvet dress, her

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

already prepared to go

he said, pointing at

includes a blessing, and Sylvia's not

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

"Alright."

the candle, walking slowly

life together," she said with a calm smile, her voice

paused as he took the candle, his eyes flicking

if searching for something.

away without another

eyes on her

arms with Naomi and left the room. She

over t@ingratiate themselves.ne

acting as if the