Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 497

"You're better suited for it than I am."

Reese smiled as she toyed with the necklace. "Really? Thanks, Sylvia."

"Don't—don't thank me," Sylvia replied, her face betraying a touch of awkwardness.

Before she could say more, a cold voice sliced through the air.

"What are you doing?"

Rupert had arrived, with Chris trailing behind him-clearly here to visit.

Sylvia turned at the sound, meeting Rupert's dark, unreadable eyes.

His gaze flicked over the necklace around Reese's neck, his expression darkening.

Assuming Rupert was speaking to her, Reese stepped forward with a grin. “Sylvia already gave me a New Year's gift. Where's yours?"

"I brought it," Rupert said coolly, nodding at Orson.

Orson handed over a long, elegant box.

Reese's face lit up with delight. She shot Sylvia a meaningful glance-one of those looks you share when you're genuinely happy to receive a gift from someone you care about. It wasn't smug, just honest excitement.

But as she opened the box and saw the diamond necklace inside, her smile froze on her lips.

After a few seconds, Sylvia even heard Reese whisper to herself, trying to stay positive. "Guess I misheard. Not a pearl necklace... but a diamond one. So sparkly."

Sylvia lowered her head, her heart twisting painfully.

could she not recognize the disappointment

put it on for you,"

she lifted her hair with

from her neck, replacing it

one.

turned to Sylvia, holding out the pearl necklace. "Take it

pearls, refusing

two stood

quickly interjected, "Mr. Rupert, everyone's

on Sylvia's

later. Ms. Sanford is watching."

Of course.

Reese's name, the dangerous

in hand,

He turned

there in the

over and gently brushed Sylvia's

broken the skin.

should go enjoy the show. I just need

absentmindedly smoothed her

"Alright,

headed in the opposite

her way to the garden, only to find her path blocked

Tristan.

as soon as

exactly the kind of woman I thought

this was