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.

a row of elegant

first," said

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

gave her a small, amused smile.

just looked quietly at

gave her a tiny

followed the attendant to the

wall of snow-white gowns, Sylvia felt

thinking to slip out, but Kay called after her with

said you promised to help her pick. You'll be choosing your own wedding dress soon

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 advice she could

turned to meet

the disdain radiating from the Hansons,

stabbed through her, sharp and cold. She struggled to catch

flicked her eyes toward Rupert,

silently to

some hot water into

much for him

only freezes a little

opened her mouth to speak, Lester stood up

"Aunt Kay, that's enough."