Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

It was Edwin and Naomi.

Edwin reached into his coat and pulled out a box of pastries.

Even from way across the street, Kay could almost see the steam rising from

them.

Years ago, Edwin used to do the same for her.

She'd still been in school back then, while Edwin was already working his way up

at a Garcia Group subsidiary.

Back in the day, Mr. Edwin was nothing like the timid man he'd become now.

If she ever craved something-pizza, donuts, you name it-one call, and after

class, there he'd be at the school gates, holding exactly what she wanted.

But now...

Naomi was looking at him the way a high schooler might look at a rock star.

Kay couldn't hear her, but from the way Naomi's lips moved, she was clearly

calling him "babe."

Ha, as if someone like her could pull that off.

Edwin said something, took Naomi's hand, and the two of them walked off

together, carefree and oblivious.

Kay took a deep breath, turning to Tristan with a wry smile in her eyes.

"If the right person never shows up, being single doesn't seem so bad."

"Didn't realize you were the sentimental type," Tristan replied, always quick on the

uptake.

smiled, her thoughts elsewhere. "Right now, I just want to see

hitch. It was her mother's last wish, and I don't want

her down.

"What is it?"

and Sylvia's making a huge mess. It's bad

with Mr. Rupert before, and now there's

am I supposed

face was troubled,

furrowed at the mention of Sylvia-he couldn't hide his

the Sanfords and the Garcias was a big deal; any

could hurt both families.

through Kay's act-she

he knew her game.

talk, just cut to the chase: "So what do you think

should do?"

admit, Tristan's experience

gave a small

kid anymore. Sure,

designer, but let's

wants

else in

if

decent and let her

as a

stood with his hands behind his back, giving Kay a stern, knowing

already guess where she

say it outright, but asked, "Got anyone in

over, her

name, but

to tread

couldn't help but

then, none of this mess

and Sylvia never would've

Tristan's patience wore thin. He finally