Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"So you two already know each other." Tristan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression hard to read. "Sylvia, this is Reese-she's

Rupert's lifesaver. Just got back from overseas. She was also Rupert's classmate

at university, and her family's pretty well-off. I hope you two get along."

Lifesaver. Comes from money.

That's what Tristan really wanted Sylvia to hear.

What could Sylvia say? She lifted her gaze and caught the way Reese looked at Rupert calm, gentle, and full of affection.

Would anyone risk their life for a man they didn't love?

Her throat tightened, but she forced a smile anyway. "Got it."

As soon as she spoke, Rupert's cold eyes landed on her for a moment.

Sylvia didn't look up, just stood quietly.

Soon enough, the rest of the Garcia relatives arrived.

Tristan waved his hand. "Come on, don't just stand around. Grab a seat, everyone."

Naomi was unusually busy today. "You guys start eating, I'll check on the roast in the kitchen."

As soon as she left, Sylvia felt a little out of place. She waited until everyone else had picked a seat, then found a spot at the edge of the table.

Reese wheeled herself closer, eyeing the chairs with a bit of trouble. "Mr. Rupert, could you help me, please?"

Her wheelchair was bigger than most, and if she didn't move to a regular chair, there wouldn't be enough room for everyone.

"Of course."

Rupert bent down gently to help.

Sylvia froze for a second.

Rupert had always been attentive to Bridget before, but she'd realized a lot of that was just for show.

But now, the way he looked at Reese, the softness in his actions this was real.

When you see it side by side, it's obvious what's genuine and what's not.

Lost in thought, Sylvia's neighbor suddenly shifted their heavy wooden chair, crushing her fingers on the armrest.

Before she could cry out, the person next to her quickly stood up. "No need to be so formal, Ms. Sanford. Just ask if you want a chair moved."noveldrama

"But it really does look tight," Reese said, clearly not wanting to trouble anyone.

"There's plenty of room!" someone chimed in.

Sylvia squeezed her sore fingers looked up-just in time to catch

and

à glancing at her with a el

smirk. Content Belongs

She understood perfectly. She stood up immediately. "I'll go see if Mom needs any help in the kitchen."

"Go ahead," Tristan said, all smiles and fatherly warmth.

Sylvia picked up a few empty dishes and headed out. As soon as she left, she heard the chairs moving again.

She glanced back-her chair was gone, Reese's wheelchair was in its place, and now everyone fit just fine.

They never intended for her or Naomi to have a seat at the table.

Sylvia let out a bitter laugh and walked into the kitchen.

Naomi, oblivious to all the veiled drama, was just happy Tristan seemed to value her right now. She bustled around, carefully arranging the salad and making sure the roast chicken looked perfect.

Sylvia didn't want to spoil her mother's good mood, so she walked over with a smile.

"Need some help, Mom?"

"No, no, I've got it-" Naomi covered a cough, "You go sit and eat. I made

a special chicken and dumpling soup today, with spices you can't find at the store. Have seconds, okay?"

Sylvia's eyes drifted to Reese in the wheelchair. The soup was clearly meant for her.

"Can I at least have the first bowl?" Sylvia joked.

Naomi glanced at her, feigning annoyance. "You little rascal. Wait just a minute." "Alright, Mom."

Sylvia hid her aching hand—and the scarf she'd meant to give Rupert-behind her back.

Another failed gift.

She glanced at the trash can in the corner, remembering what Eloise had told her yesterday.

"The worst thing in love is dragging it out until it's a mess you can't untangle.....”

Thinking back, Rupert had never said he loved her.

She was just the one, always guessing at his feelings, carrying memories he never shared.