Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 496

Sylvia followed Naomi into the Garcia family estate.

On the way in, they passed several members of the Garcia clan. Naomi greeted everyone warmly, but most of them barely acknowledged her and Sylvia-if anything, they seemed colder than before.

Sylvia frowned. "Mom, didn't they get to the bottom of the whole engagement gift mix-up? Why are they still giving you the cold shoulder?"

Naomi let out a bitter chuckle. "It's not about that. I talked to Tristan and asked him to take me off the running for house manager."

Sylvia blinked, surprised. "Why? I thought you always wanted to prove yourself."

Naomi sighed. "Sylvia, the engagement mess was my fault. But honestly, I've made my peace with it. Reese is marrying in, and someone with her background will end up managing the place sooner or later. She's a good kid. She'll be fair to me."

Naomi clearly thought the world of Reese.

But her words hit Sylvia like a needle to the heart-sharp and invisible, leaving her numb and aching.

It wasn't jealousy. It was guilt.

And as if on cue, Reese appeared.

She was wearing a light gray herringbone coat-one that looked awfully familiar.

flickered in recognition. Rupert

"What do you

not daring to meet

each a box. "Naomi, a

have to," Naomi said,

was a cashmere shawl-luxurious and elegant. Naomi draped it over her shoulders immediately, clearly

"This one was picked out by someone

"Who?" Sylvia asked, puzzled.

else? If my brother heard you ask that,

realized. "Oh-um, tell Mr. Sanford thank

thank me. Take him out for dinner someday,

together, unsure

chatted, Reese's gaze lingered on

touched the string of

gorgeous. I just wonder if the one Mr. Rupert is giving me will be

fingers froze,

Rupert that the pearl necklace he ordered had arrived-he said

color drained from Sylvia's

necklace around her neck felt like a

Reese nudged

gripping the necklace so tightly