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

without a hitch. It was her mother's last wish,

down.

"What is it?"

holidays, and Sylvia's making a huge mess. It's bad luck, honestly.

had with Mr. Rupert before, and now there's this

How am I supposed to trust the

face was troubled,

the mention of Sylvia-he

Sanfords and the

could hurt both families.

right through Kay's act-she was always

he knew her game.

with small talk, just cut to

should do?"

admit, Tristan's experience

a small laugh. "Sylvia's

kid anymore. Sure, she's

designer, but

just wants to marry

everyone else

better if we help

decent and

as a

behind his back, giving Kay a stern, knowing

already guess where

say it outright, but asked, "Got

think it over, her sharp eyes watching Tristan's

aunt in name, but she

had to

could read her mind, and couldn't help

back then, none of this mess

and Sylvia never

Sylvia, Tristan's patience wore thin.