"Yeah." Rupert replied in a low, even tone.

After that, everyone except Sylvia exchanged greetings.

Finally, Naomi nudged Sylvia with her elbow and whispered, "Come on, at least say hi."

Sylvia shifted awkwardly. "But I don't even know him. How am I supposed to say hi?"

She'd kept her voice down, but the group wasn't standing far apart-everyone heard her loud and clear.

Across from her, Rupert's expression darkened.

Sylvia wished she could melt into the floor.

Lester leaned down and murmured quietly, "Just go by family titles."

"Okay.” Sylvia gave a look that said, 'Fine, you're the boss,' then turned to Rupert. "Uncle Rupert."

Her eyes were clear, cool-neither friendly nor hostile.

Her tone was polite, a little distant, with the kind of respect you'd give an elder at

a Thanksgiving dinner you barely knew.

Rupert's jaw tightened. "You just do whatever people tell you?"

Sylvia blinked, confused, and pointed at Lester. "He's not just people."

Rupert's eyes narrowed, cold as a Chicago winter.

Sylvia felt a chill crawl down her back and instinctively stepped a little closer to Lester.

She could have sworn she glimpsed a flash of self-mockery in Rupert's eyes, but maybe she'd imagined it.

Lester lifted his hand, shielding Sylvia almost protectively, and said with a calm firmness, "Mr. Rupert, Sylvia and I have some things to take care of. We'll be heading out."

Sylvia followed Lester as they left.

felt something ghost over the

wouldn't have thought twice about it, but there was a strange

didn't hesitate, just tossed her hair back and hurried after

they turned the corner, Sylvia glanced over her

saw Reese and Rupert walking away in the opposite direction,

light where their hands met-like

from inside

hurrying to

elevator doors closed, Rupert suddenly stopped and

Sylvia didn't see

Rupert, is something wrong?" Reese asked,

"It's nothing. Let's go."

go of her hand, his

behind, noticing for the first

reassure her. "He's just getting

sick. Probably still a bit

u know?" Content bithet

it,

silla

that made sense, then said her goodbyes to Chris

the Garcia family

of the car, but noticed Rupert wasn't

aren't you

a ton of

the wedding. I'll

office. Don't

verket

remember to take

and get some rest."

his

Reese froze.

words sounded caring, but there

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