Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

The man across from her looked up sharply when he heard the words "Uncle Rupert." His icy gaze landed right on her.

Sylvia instinctively dropped her eyes, trying to escape that stare, but her gaze fell right to his and Reese's slippers.noveldrama

Matching slippers.

With little cartoon ducks.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Rupert, it was that he was practically allergic to warmth. The guy was colder than a New England winter.

He never changed for anyone.

Bridget had been around for over three years, and not once did he alter a single habit for her.

Even in Sylvia's last life-eight years together-he'd only ever worn the guest slippers, never the cute ones. Never anything picked out just for him.

But now? He'd changed. Willingly.

If Bridget ever found out, she'd realize just how pointless all her old jealousy really

was.

The only woman ever in Rupert's heart had been the one who'd saved him.

Just then, Reese's voice broke the silence: "Oh shoot! My chicken! Sylvia, can you come help me out here?"

"Sure," Sylvia replied, eager for an excuse to get away from the awkward tension in the living room.

Reese spun around too quickly and nearly lost her balance, almost slipping on the hardwood floor.

Rupert caught her with one hand, cool as ever. "You don't need to do all this."

"Oh, please. I can't just keep sitting around waiting for you to cook for me. Anyway, I've got oil all over me-don't let me get you messy. You two gentlemen can just wait for dinner."

Once steady, Reese fussed over Rupert's shirt, trying to wipe off a tiny grease spot.

Sylvia stood awkwardly to the side, her mind blank. It was obvious Reese had tried Rupert's cooking before. If they cared about each other so much, why drag her into all this?

Lost in thought, she barely noticed Reese grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the kitchen.

Sylvia had always thought Reese's cooking would be a mess-she'd grown up a pampered heiress, after all.

But the kitchen was spotless, everything organized, veggies cut into neat matchsticks. Reese stirred the skillets humming. "Sylvia, try this for me-tell me how it stacks up against the Garcia family chef's."

She held out a fork (not chopsticks, of course) with a piece of braised beef.

Sylvia hesitated, but took a bite. She froze-this tasted exactly how Rupert liked

it.

She remembered, back when she'd had her secret crush, she'd learned all his favorite dishes, just to cook for him. This braised beef was one of them.

Reese must really love Rupert.

"It's great," Sylvia managed. "Honestly, just as good as the Garcias' cook. I had no idea you were such a good chef."

ег

"Told you so!" Reese grinned, proud "Don't let the fancy clothes fool you, I'm full of surprises. With your approval, I feet much better Now, let's find a pretty plate to serve this on." sŵnovel

She bent to open the cabinet but came up empty.

"The plates are up top-he..." Sylvia started, then stopped, realizing the kitchen

had gone silent except for the bubbling stew.

She quickly added, "I dropped off something for Edwin once and saw Uncle Rupert put the plates on the top shelf. He's so tall, it's easier for him. Guess he just got used to it."

Reese straightened, chuckling. "Good to know. I'll have to mention that to him next time."

"I'll get them for you," Sylvia offered, reaching up and grabbing a few plates for Reese to choose from.

Reese picked a simple, elegant one. As she plated up the food, she asked suddenly, "Sylvia, do you come here often?"

"No," Sylvia said honestly, then switched the subject. "About your wedding rings-I've finished the first drafts. K show you after dinner, so you can see if you like the direction I've already talked to the artisan so you'll definitely have them before the wedding."

Reese beamed. "Thank you! I knew I could count on you. You're amazing."

Sylvia just smiled softly. "Here, let me help you."