Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Hey, can I ask if you're free the day after tomorrow? I've got a dinner thing, and I'd love for you to come with me."

Sylvia read the message and instantly typed back, "What kind of dinner thing?"

"My dad's in town. I want to introduce you to him."

Sylvia stared at her phone, feeling a mix of surprise and nerves. Her fingers hovered over the screen, typing and deleting responses.

Fay's words from before echoed in her mind. Who wouldn't want someone from their own world when it came to marriage, especially if you had money and status? Even if Lester's father was open-minded, there was no way he'd accept someone like her.

In the end, she just wrote, "Better not. I've been pretty busy lately."

A few seconds later, Lester's reply popped up.

"Actually, my dad's the one who wants to meet you. My little sister's about to get married, and I've been single for years-it's a big deal to him."

Sylvia's heart skipped. She'd thought about a lot of things, but not that Lester might actually want to marry her. And not so soon.

She almost turned him down again, her finger hovering over the "send" button, but then Ms. Ward's advice came back to her. Did happiness only belong to people from the right background? Was she supposed to stay stuck, never even trying?

After a moment's thought, she sent just one word:

"Okay."

In the stairwell, Fay's hand shook as she dialed. She was so angry, she could barely keep her voice steady.

Winslet, I can't take this anymore. Why should someone like Sylvia get to compete

tone instantly-Sylvia must've really gotten under her skin. All the

careful way of an older family friend, Kay replied, "Fay, don't get so upset. Lester's been like a son to me, and honestly, I always thought you two were perfect for each other. If it weren't for Sylvia's tricks, how could Lester possibly fall for

angrier. She paced the landing, heels

dropped the bombshell: "By the way, did you know Lester's father is here? Can you imagine how furious he'll be when he finds out his son's gotten

"Mr. Sanford is here? Perfect. I'll tell him the truth about Sylvia,

one likes a tattletale, right? There's a better

frowned. "What

her voice and began to explain her plan. When

you really know what

Lester to be fooled and I hate to

someone like Sylvia Confovel

belongs to s

Winslet. I won't

Two days later.

walked into the spacious private dining room with her arm linked through

dinner, the first time Rupert and

family had

make sure

apple pies cooling on the sideboard.

the rest of the Sanford

the room to