Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 436

Rupert looked like he’d just bitten into a lemon.

He narrowed his eyes, icy as ever. “Sylvia.”

Sylvia met his gaze head on. “Did you not see what Tristan pulled today? Was it fun for you, watching us get humiliated? I’m done playing these games with you, Uncle Rupert. Whatever happened that night—we’re over it.”

Between them, there was nothing left—just that formal “Uncle Rupert.”

A cold spark flickered in Rupert’s eyes. He turned and stalked toward the trash bins by the curb.

Sylvia watched his retreating back, her feelings a tangled mess. Did she want him to fish that bag out of the garbage, or just let it go?

She couldn’t help herself: with every step he took toward the bins, her nerves wound tighter.

Just as Rupert was about to catch up to the housekeeper, a shriek cut through the garden path.

Everyone turned. Reese, her prosthetic leg catching on the flagstones, had fallen hard.

Sylvia instinctively glanced at Rupert.

He stopped dead in his tracks.

Sylvia drew in a shaky breath, the taste of bitterness heavy on her tongue, weighing her down.

She already knew how this would end, but still, she couldn’t help but watch Rupert turn away from the trash and rush toward Reese.

And just like that, her scarf—her favorite—was tossed into the garbage truck and driven away.

Whether it was Bridget in the past, or Reese now, Rupert had never chosen her.

Gathering herself, Sylvia straightened up and walked over, determined not to make a scene.

“Ms. Sanford, are you okay?”

Reese grinned sheepishly and hitched up her dress a bit, revealing the sleek metal of her prosthetic.

“My brother just got me this new leg. It’s super comfy, but I’m still getting the hang of it. Sorry—bit embarrassing, huh?”

“Not at all. This stone path is a nightmare. I tripped out here once when it was raining and slid halfway across the yard—now that was embarrassing,” Sylvia said, trying to lighten the mood.

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