Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Aside from Orson, it was all Rupert.noveldrama

She deleted everything.

Over the next couple of weeks, Sylvia was swamped. Thanks to Mr. Lennon's introduction, she'd landed an invite to Eloise's new product launch, and there was a ton to prepare.

During that time, Naomi tried to get her over to the Garcia family house twice, but Sylvia turned her down both times.

As for Bridget, ever since she got back from her trip to Aspen, she looked absolutely radiant—and, thankfully, had stopped bothering Sylvia altogether.

Sylvia finally had some peace and quiet.

One morning, after another sleepless night, Sylvia was staring at her dark circles in the mirror when her phone rang. It was Naomi.

"Come to the Garcias' for dinner tonight," Naomi said.

"Can't. I've got stuff to do," Sylvia replied, already bracing herself for another round.

"Tristan's the one inviting you," Naomi added.

Sylvia paused. "Alright, I'll be there."

She hung up and tried to get some more sleep, but it was useless. She just tossed and turned.

That evening, she grabbed a box of mixed fruit from the market-Tristan never cared about what she brought anyway, so she wasn't going to waste money on anything fancy—and headed to the Garcia family home.

When she walked into the dining room, she was surprised by how many people were there. What was the occasion? It seemed like half the town was present.

Naomi came over and pulled her aside. "Rupert was hurt a while back. Tristan thought it'd be good luck to have everyone over for a proper dinner."

Sylvia just nodded and followed Naomi to the far end of the table, pulling out her phone as she sat down.

A few minutes later, the room suddenly went quiet. Sylvia could feel someone's gaze land right on her. She didn't even look up-she just kept scrolling.

Naomi nudged her and whispered, "Your Uncle Rupert just came in. Can you put your phone away, please?"

Sylvia kept typing. "I'm working. This launch is my first big event-I can't afford any mistakes."

Naomi rolled her eyes. "You know, Rupert looked for you as soon as he walked in."

Sylvia finally locked her phone and picked up her teacup, giving Naomi a warning look. "Mom, if you keep this up, I'm leaving."

Naomi just took a sip herself and mumbled, "I'm just saying what I saw."

Once everyone was seated, most of the older relatives started asking after Rupert's health.

Tristan, smiling, said, "Bridget's been taking great care of him lately. The doctor says he's pretty much back to normal."

Bridget, ever the picture of poise, stood up with her cup of tea. “Thank you all for your concern. It's the least I could do. I'll drink to that-well, with tea, since I'm off wine!"

Everyone nodded and praised her, as usual.

Standing next to Rupert-like a perfect hostess-Bridget gestured try the

the

"Please, everyone,

new dishes our chef's been working on."

Everyone exchanged knowing looks, clearly catching on to something.

Just then, as the server brought out a plate of steamed seafood, Bridget put down her cup and suddenly gagged.

"Excuse me, I think my stomach's a bit upset," she managed, before rushing straight to the bathroom.

It was a while before she returned, cheeks flushed and looking a little embarrassed.

"Sorry about that," she said, dabbing at her lips, a shy smile on her face.

An older woman at the table let out a little laugh. "Looks like there's some good news on the way for our family!"

With a clink, Tristan set down his wine glass and stood up, grinning.

"Well, everyone, besides wishing Rupert a speedy recovery, we do have something else to celebrate tonight."

He looked around the table, beaming. “Bridget's pregnant. I'm going to be a granddad again!"

Bridget hurried over to Rupert's side, slipping her arm through his. "I was going to wait a little longer to tell you the good news, but clearly Tristan couldn't hold it in. Mr. Ruper-looks like you're going to be a dad."

Rupert looked down at her, silent.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash from the corner as someone dropped a plate.