Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 494

No midnight snack, huh.

Chris and Orson had been cracking open pistachios for ages, chatting away, before they finally shuffled out of the kitchen with the food.

And when they did—well, let's just say expectations weren't high.

All that fuss, and what did they bring? Shoestring fries, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and some garlic-butter shrimp.

A few of the shrimp were even a little burnt.

Chris clicked his tongue. "I swear, you guys must've already eaten without us."

Rupert set his plate down. "Front door's that way. Don't let it hit you on the way out."

"Whoa, whoa, just kidding!" Chris hurried to grab a plate, then got all serious. "Sylvia, thanks for having us over."

Maybe it was just Chris being there, but Sylvia suddenly felt like the house wasn't so cold anymore.

She smiled. "Come on, dig in."

Halfway through dinner, Sylvia pulled out her phone.

"My mom says they found the person who stole her stuff. She's out of the hospital now, too. She wants me to come visit since it's almost New Year's-three days left. I've got some work to finish up there anyway."

"What kind of work?" Chris piped up, always with the nosy questions.

"Mr. Rupert and Ms. Sanford's wedding rings are ready," Sylvia said, her tone

even.

eyes widened. He actually looked like he wanted to slap

sense Mrs. Naomi wants you home for the holidays, especially after everything that's

over

whole 'wedding ring' thing

Garcia family while we're

She nodded.

rings

back to

he

for who was calling-well, they all

to the door, watching as he headed to his car. Just

"Mr. Rupert."

he could say anything, Sylvia moved in, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him—a

Sylvia had

a little stunned, then his eyes softened. He reached up, cupped her head,

ended, he was a

It's freezing out

"Okay."

drive away, her eyes filled with a swirl of emotions-complicated,

later-New

to the sound of fireworks echoing through the neighborhood. She blinked, a little

it and pulled her closer, wrapping her

arms.

Rupert, still in pajamas, looking

did you get here?" she asked, startled. Hadn't he said he wouldn't

open his eyes, his voice rough with sleep. "About two hours

That's the middle of the night." Sylvia frowned,

opened his