Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Everyone stared at Rupert in disbelief.

Everyone knew that the one thing Tristan couldn't stand was people calling him old.

But Rupert hadn't just called him old in front of everyone-he'd also chalked up Tristan's words to drunken rambling. That was basically stomping all over Tristan's pride.

Tristan's face tightened, his beard actually quivered, and for a moment, even his usually sharp eyes seemed clouded with shock.

It was as if he couldn't believe Rupert would say something like that about him. Sylvia couldn't believe it either. She had no idea why Rupert would do this. She slowly lifted her head, her eyes flickering, and then she saw the answer.

Reese was clinging to Rupert's hand, her face pale, looking like she might faint at any second.

The Sanford family was eyeing Rupert suspiciously too.

Rupert swallowed, then calmly looked straight ahead. Everyone assumed he was looking at Lester.

His voice was deep and cool, "Reese brought both families together for dinner tonight. I'd appreciate it if we kept the conversation on track."

Reese managed a small smile. "I'm fine, really. Let's just eat, everyone."

As she spoke, she glanced at Sylvia, her expression complicated.

Sylvia pressed her lips together and dropped her gaze.

She really shouldn't have come.

Sylvia set her fork down and pulled her

then, Lester caught her hand and

Sanford men are pretty straightforward

words had a sharp

dug into each

little

red, then

Lester just pretended not to notice, and gave Sylvia's hand a

of it and

"Best investment

hand around

to the dark, brooding

immediately catching

raised his glass and said,

no spring

to meddle in

I trust their

Tristan a way to save face while

polite smile, but

putting it that

Fay, who had been quiet all this

"Actually, I think Tristan had a

to stop her.