Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

The moment Yves heard that Reese had mentioned him, he immediately let go and grabbed Lester's hand with both of his.

"Mr. Sanford, pleasure to meet you."

Sylvia finally managed to slip away, shooting Lester a grateful look.

Lester kept his cool. "Let's head inside. Reese isn't in the best of health-she can't be out in the cold for long."

Yves nodded quickly. "Sorry, that was my mistake. After you please."

Hearing this, everyone instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path for Rupert and Lester.

Once they'd gone in, Sylvia rolled up her sleeve and grimaced at the clear red marks Yves had left on her arm.

Yves was terrifying.

She grit her teeth against the pain and hurried to catch up with the group. As they entered, Sylvia noticed Mrs. Hanson still had her sunglasses on. "Mrs. Hanson, aren't you going to take off your sunglasses?"

Mrs. Hanson shot her a sharp look and snapped, "Is that any of your business? You're not even part of this family yet, and already you want to play mother-in- law? Once you're actually in, I'll be sure to teach you some proper manners."

With that, she adjusted her sunglasses and stalked off.

Sylvia watched her leave with a curious expression, her gaze lingering on Mrs. Hanson's designer purse.

upstairs to the VIP suite. There, a row of

said a

excitement. After a few steps, she spun playfully and called, "No matter how I look, you're all only allowed to

a small, amused smile.

didn't move. She just looked quietly at Rupert, clearly

gave her a

followed the attendant to the

the wall of snow-white gowns, Sylvia felt a tightness in her chest, as

out, but Kay

pick. You'll be choosing

Oh, but silly me-your mom's been married twice, right? I heard. she never had a real wedding either time no dress, no ceremony Not much

meet Kay's

also feel the disdain radiating from the Hansons, mother and

stabbed through her, sharp

flicked her

counted silently

hot water into

him not

a little

Sylvia opened her mouth to speak, Lester stood up and glared at

"Aunt Kay, that's enough."