Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Wedding dress?

Sylvia couldn't help but laugh at the irony.

This was the second time she'd been asked to help pick out a wedding dress- both times for one of Rupert's women.

It almost felt like these weddings couldn't happen unless she was there to witness them.

She glanced at Reese, who was beaming with genuine, uncomplicated happiness -so different from Bridget's calculated charm. Reese's invitation was sincere, which only made Sylvia feel more like the villain.

She was about to come up with an excuse to say no when her phone buzzed.

A sinking feeling hit her. Sure enough, it was a message from Naomi.

"Tristan wants me to help organize Rupert and Ms. Sanford's engagement party." Sylvia felt like she couldn't breathe.

Whether Naomi would end up on the wrong side of the Sanford or Garcia families —or walk away unscathed-seemed to depend entirely on Sylvia's response.

Her hands shook as she typed back.

"Got it."

Reese must've noticed something was off. "Sylvia, are you okay?" she asked gently.

Sylvia took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “I'm fine. I'll help you pick out your dress."

"Thank you! I'll make sure my brother takes you out for dinner as a thank you," Reese said with a wink.

"Yeah, sure."

Sylvia barely heard her, nodding absentmindedly.

Reese jumped up. "It's a date then! I'll text you the details."

"Okay."

Sylvia watched Reese leave, then returned to her office-only to be immediately surrounded by her curious coworkers.

"Who was that girl? Her car is almost as fancy as Mr. Rupert's. She must be loaded."

"And she's so low-key! Not a single brand logo on her, but everything is clearly custom-made."

Sylvia cut them off. “You'll find out soon enough.”

And she was right.

That evening, as the burning sunset glowed against the snowy city, the massive screen in the central plaza lit up with happy news from both the Garcia and Sanford families.

The official photo was classic Reese-she'd obviously picked it herself she and Rupert grinning in front of a fairytale castle at Disneyland, fireworks bursting behind them.

The prince and princess, together at last-the perfect ending.

Rupert deserved it. So did Reese.

Sylvia tore her gaze away and walked in the opposite direction.

At the corner, a car horn sounded behind her.

She stopped. A sleek car pulled up, the window slid down, and a pair of amused blue eyes met hers.

"Wasn't even planning on going out tonight-and here I am, appointed to buy you dinner. Reese says I owe you one," Lester said with a grin.

Sylvia snorted. "I was just joking with Ms. Sanford. You don't actually have to."

Lester looked at her thoughtfully, then swung open the passenger door. "C'mon- don't make me look bad."

Sylvia wanted to refuse, but with Tristan Garcia breathing down her neck, she figured it was smart to get on Lester's good side.

"Alright, but dinner's on me."

He nodded, gesturing for her to get in. "Deal."

On the way to the restaurant, Sylvia kept asking about Lester's favorite foods.noveldrama

He chuckled mid-answer.

She put down her phone, raising an eyebrow. "Mr. Sanford, what's so funny?"

"You're taking this dinner thing so

seriously-it's kind of cute," Lesteret

said,

But honestly, I

when you call me pro.content

She wrinkled her nose. "That's just weird."

Lester grinned. "Well, once Rupert and Reese get married, you might have to start calling me 'uncle' instead."

Sylvia gripped her phone a little tighter, scrolling through Yelp without really seeing the options.

Lester noticed her discomfort and coughed lightly. "Hey, relax. Call me whatever you want—I'm just messing with you."

Sylvia pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. For someone who looked so stern, Lester actually had a great sense of humor.

She changed the subject, pointing at her phone. "So, Mr. Sanford, what do you think about this place? They do great burgers."