Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Reese grabbed Sylvia's wrist-not too hard, but firm enough that Sylvia noticed.

Sylvia looked up and met Reese's hopeful gaze. In that moment, she understood exactly what Reese was asking without needing any more words.

"Yes," Sylvia nodded, hiding the sarcasm and resignation in her eyes.

Honestly, Reese was worrying for nothing. Everyone knew how well Rupert treated Sylvia. But, of course, Reese loved Rupert desperately. That was the problem.

Hearing Sylvia's answer, Reese dug into her purse and pulled out a small jewelry box, handing it to Sylvia with a grateful smile. "Sylvia, thank you."

Sylvia took the box awkwardly, not sure what to do with it.

Just then, from the dining room, Rupert and Lester came over to see what was taking so long in the kitchen.

"What's going on?" Rupert frowned at Sylvia.

Reese quickly stood up and grabbed Rupert's arm. "It's not Sylvia's fault. I was standing too long, almost dropped my purse, and my medicine fell out. She was just helping me."

Sylvia froze. So, Rupert was looking at her like she might've been mean to Reese. Typical.

She clutched the little box and forced a faint, ironic smile, not saying a word.

Reese leaned in toward Rupert. "The kitchen's pretty cramped-why don't we go sit down? Let's not get in Sylvia's way."

"Alright," Rupert answered, giving Sylvia one last glance before helping Reese out of the kitchen.

lingered behind and came up to

his hands and tried to sound breezy. "Reese is really sweet, but I can't accept

pearl earrings. Not expensive, but a nice

the type to ignore social niceties. If she was turning down a gift this firmly, something

"Is it about Reese-"

nothing," Sylvia cut him off, picking up a

The history between her and Rupert ran deep -no

tense and

table, her voice cool. "I've got something to do this afternoon, so I

she wanted them to

looked like she wanted to

but Lester

Alright,

Mr Rupert

Reese, you and M

should head downstairs."

belongs to s

smile as she and

out-she just kept tidying

felt a heavy

didn't turn

simply gripped the chopsticks

sound of the closing door finally