Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Mr. Rupert? Mr. Rupert?"

Reese tugged gently at the man's sleeve beside her.

Rupert snapped back to attention, his voice cool and distant. "What is it?"

Reese's smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered. "We're heading home now."

"You and Ms. Winslet go on ahead. I need to stop by the office." Rupert slipped his arm from her grasp and shot a chilly glance at Kay.

The look sent a shiver down Kay's spine. She'd been about to nudge Reese into following Rupert, but under his icy stare, she could only put on a brave face and force a smile.

"Reese, I'll go back with you. Let's not keep Mr. Rupert from his work."

"Alright," Reese said, nodding, and followed Kay to the car.

Once the two women had left, Orson pulled up in front of Rupert and opened the car door for him.

Pressing down his suit jacket, Rupert paused before getting in, his voice low. "I want you to personally keep an eye on Sylvia."

Orson looked puzzled. "She's got nothing left. I doubt she'll try anything."

her like

"Understood, sir."

way back to the

out the

Mr. Rupert's moving back in, you two

to look at Kay, almost glaring. "Aunt Kay, was it you who talked Tristan into moving Mr. Rupert's things back from his Soho

of you!"

going to think of me now? That I'm just desperate to

so frustrated

dug through her purse for Reese's inhaler, handing it over and rubbing her back. "I

took a deep breath, then asked, "Aunt Kay, did you already know

froze for a split second, then muttered, "I just overheard it from Mrs. Hanson during our poker night. Besides, with Sylvia's background, marrying into the

by Kay-she didn't want to doubt

want any more awkward run-ins like today. I don't want to use other people to make myself look good. Sylvia might have her faults, but she's not a

just too soft! With your family and background, you could have anyone eating out of the palm of your hand. If I had your kind of power and money, forget

t any of that show on her face. Instead, she pressed her lips together and said gently, "Reese, you're kind, but not everyone thinks the same. I didn't invite Sylvia,

biting

tell from the moment I saw her-she's up to something. I just wanted to show her she's not welcome. love you like my own,

wanted to argue, but some small, selfish part of