Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 495

But as Sylvia kept on laughing, suddenly her eyes blurred with tears.

She never thought he'd actually remember.

Every Christmas, Rupert was always the first to give her a card with a crisp bill tucked inside. Back in those days when her crush was still a secret, she'd look forward to that moment more than anything-because it meant she could finally talk to him, for real, about everything and nothing. For a few minutes, it almost felt like she mattered just a little more.

But today, all of that was coming to an end.

Sylvia clutched the envelope, lowering her head as her tears bloomed in little stains across the red paper. She covered her mouth with her hand, desperate not to make a sound and have Rupert notice.

An hour later, she was dressed in the outfit Rupert had picked out for her-a bright cherry red, double-breasted coat with a dramatic collar and a sash that hung down her side, festive and just a bit flirtatious. Around her neck, a vintage- style pearl and lace necklace added a touch of old-school glamour.

Rupert came down the stairs just as Sylvia was setting out breakfast.

"I was just about to call you over," she said, grinning as she pointed to the spread -pancakes, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and a small mountain of hash browns.

Rupert sat down slowly. "That's a lot of food."

"It's Christmas morning-go big or go home," Sylvia said, scooting her chair

closer to his. "I made all your favorites. Try some."

Rupert eyed the overflowing plates, then reached out and gently pinched her chin. "Did you poison any of this?"

Sylvia didn't even try to pull away, just gave him a look. "Fine, I'll eat it myself then."

but he gently guided her face back. "Maybe you should. I could use a little meat on my

up a forkful and shoved it into

never noticed he could be like

to clear the

day of the year, you're

"Is that a rule?"

is in my family." Sylvia grinned, nudging him toward the hallway. "Come on, Mom's texted

glanced back at

...

The Garcia Manor.

of activity. Sleek black cars lined the drive all the way out to the

there was some shade of Garcia-well-dressed, well-off, and well

Rupert. "Maybe I should get

sees me. You

been shy about gossiping behind

his watch. "No

closer they got to the front steps, the more Sylvia's hands

wasn't the relatives she was

face Reese

Sylvia let out a breath she didn't know she'd been

pulled up, the other Garcias melted out of the way.

they stopped, Set

I was to bolt.