Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

There were two boxes on the bed, each holding a different style of nightgown- one sweet and playful, the other a bit sultry.

But nothing too risqué. The designs just had a few clever little details.

Worried Sylvia might not get the full picture, Reese pulled both nightgowns out and held them up for her to see.

Then, apparently not satisfied, she draped them in front of Sylvia for comparison.

"That's not enough," Reese declared, and went so far as to hold them each up against Sylvia's body to judge their effect.

"Sylvia, I swear, I'm so jealous of you. You're gorgeous, you've got the perfect figure—seriously, you could make a burlap sack look good."

Sylvia was caught off guard. She had to steady her breathing before managing a polite, almost bashful smile.

She instinctively pushed the nightgown away. "Oh, come on, you'd look great too. Why don't you just keep them both and we can swap sometimes?"

Reese giggled, twirling a lock of hair. "Which one should I wear first, though? I was thinking I'd save one for the night of the engagement party. You have to help me pick-the one that'll make sure Mr. Rupert can't take his eyes off me."

She blushed, but the excitement and affection in her eyes were impossible to miss.

Sylvia found herself almost flinching from the brightness of it all. She dropped her gaze, feeling a sting of envy or maybe regret.

"Reese, maybe you should ask someone else. I'm really not the best judge."

Reese pouted. "This whole Garcia family is so stuffy-who else can I ask? You're

a designer, so I know you've got good taste."

She squeezed Sylvia's hand, pleading with her eyes.

Sylvia couldn't bring herself to say no. She pointed at the cute, subtly sexy

nightgown. "This one. It's sweet, but it's got a little edge."

Reese's cheeks flushed pink. "Didn't know Uncle Rupert was into that kind of thing."

"That's not what I meant," Sylvia stammered, embarrassed.

Reese winked. "I get it. I think he'll like it too. Back in college, he used to tell

people I was pretty adorable, actually."

She beamed, glowing with happiness.

By contrast, Sylvia's reflection in the window looked nearly translucent, her face pale even in the sunshine.

She forced a smile, playing along.

After all, it was just a bit of fun for a married couple. What she wore didn't matter.

What mattered was the person wearing it.

Rupert loved Reese.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

"Ms. Sanford, your luggage has arrived. Would you like some help unpacking?" a maid asked politely.

"No need, I've got it. Just put them in the walk-in closet, thanks," Reese replied, waving her hand.

The maids nodded and began carefully carrying box after box into the closet.noveldrama

Sylvia stood aside, watching as Reese opened the top suitcase and started hanging up her coats right next to Rupert's shirts.

When she opened the accessories drawer, Reese suddenly frowned. "Huh? What's this doing here?"

Sylvia, curious, took a step forward, but one of the maids stopped her.

"Ms. Lloyd, if you'd please move aside-Mr. Rupert said Ms. Sanford's things are very valuable. We need to be careful."

The implication was clear: she was in the way.

Reese quickly interjected, "Oh, it's

nothing super valuable-just some purses, honestly, they're fine. Sylvia, don't worry about it."

Sylvia glanced at the tiny designer purse Reese had slung across her shoulder-

small enough to fit just a phone.

She really did use it as a phone case.

It cost at least twenty grand, and it had Reese's initials spelled out im tiny, shimmering rhinestones along both sides. Even pricier.

With that in mind, Sylvia realized she probably shouldn't touch anything in those boxes.

She took the hint and stepped back I leave you to it. I should go mom anyway. Let

=e'll leave you to it. I

if you need anything." me know

belongs

"Thanks, Sylvia!" Reese called, waving as she left.

Sylvia slipped quietly out of the room.

Inside, Reese rummaged through her closet and pulled out a deep burgundy scarf.

She turned to the maids. "Is this Mr. Rupert's?"

The maids exchanged glances and shook their heads. "We've never seen Mr. Rupert wear that, ma'am."