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."

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

scooped up a forkful and shoved it

never noticed he could be

Rupert stood up to clear the plates,

of the year,

"Is that a rule?"

toward the hallway. "Come on, Mom's texted me like

out the door, she glanced back at the kitchen, whispering

...

The Garcia Manor.

old estate turned into a hive of activity. Sleek black cars lined the drive all the way out to the closed-off public park. For the holiday, the Garcias had even shut the park to outsiders: only

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

at Rupert. "Maybe

sees me. You

never been shy about gossiping

his

did nothing to soothe her nerves. The closer they got to the

the relatives she was worried about.

couldn't face Reese like

Lester," Rupert said quietly, reading her mind. Sylvia let out a

up, the other Garcias melted out

they stopped, Set

I was to bolt.