Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Lester furrowed his brow and said firmly, "I trust Sylvia. And Mr. Rupert, too."

Hearing this, Sylvia felt a rush of warmth in her chest and gave Lester a grateful smile.

So, trust can be this simple, she thought.

You don't always need a mountain of evidence.

Just then, she noticed someone watching her from the side—a gaze, cold and shadowy.

Sylvia ignored it and pressed on, "Mr. Sanford, do you know her?"

Reese rubbed his forehead, straightened up, and introduced, "Fay's an old friend of mine-she's my maid of honor, actually. We went to high school together, then studied abroad. She used to visit me at college a lot, so she's met Mr. Rupert a few times. That's why she's so invested in my wedding."

"Sylvia, you and-"

Her voice broke off, eyes going a little red.

Before Sylvia could reply, Fay jumped in, her voice sharp, "Reese, isn't it obvious? She's just looking for trouble, trying to snag Mr. Rupert when no one's around!"

Sylvia arched an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"

"Of course. I know Mr. Rupert would never do something like that. But you?" Fay shot a glare at Sylvia. "You're the one with the shady motives."

out a cold

male voices cut

man, you spend two minutes picking wine and suddenly

curtain, holding a bottle of

followed, giving Chris a playful shove. Chris

everyone staring and quickly put on a straight face. "Look, I came to ask Mr. Rupert for a bottle of wine for a friend. Happened to run into Sylvia here. But come on, guys, she

knew exactly who

a glance at

gaped at Chris and Orson. "Wait-you

his eyes, "Ms. Langley, what do you think? We walked

"No way!" Fay blurted.

chuckled, "Ms. Langley, how can you be so

Fay stammered, realizing

out Fay was the one who'd locked her and Rupert in

wasn't Fay supposed to be Reese's best friend—and maid of honor? Didn't she

shown up when they did, Sylvia

but Reese stepped in

side and slipped her arm through his. "I trust Mr. Rupert, too.

protested, frustration clear in

take me and my brother out for dinner? Mr. Rupert's here, let's all

replied, taking the jade-handled cane