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.

VIP suite. There, a row

first," said

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

her a small, amused

move. She just looked quietly

gave her a tiny nod.

finally followed the

Sylvia felt a tightness in her chest, as if she could

to slip out, but Kay called after her with a

pick. You'll be choosing your own wedding dress soon too maybe you

deal. Oh, but silly me-your mom's been married twice, right? I heard.

to meet

could also feel the disdain radiating from

wave of humiliation stabbed through her, sharp and

rush to reply. Instead, she flicked her eyes toward Rupert, sitting

silently to

hot water into Reese's

for him not taking

freezes a

her mouth to speak, Lester stood

"Aunt Kay, that's enough."