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.

Rupert had worn

"What do you think? Looks good, right? I had it custom-made

replied, not daring to

box. "Naomi, a little New Year's gift for

all family now, you didn't have to," Naomi said, her face lighting up

and elegant. Naomi draped it over her shoulders immediately,

was picked out

"Who?" Sylvia asked, puzzled.

else? If my brother heard you ask that, he'd

cheeks colored as she realized. "Oh-um, tell Mr. Sanford

Take him out for dinner someday, he'll

her lips together, unsure what

chatted, Reese's gaze lingered on

noticed and self-consciously touched the string of pearls. "What? Is there

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

fingers froze, staring at

telling Mr. Rupert that the pearl necklace

color drained

her neck

Hey, Sylvia, are you okay?" Reese nudged

realized she was gripping the necklace so tightly it was digging into