Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 496

Sylvia followed Naomi into the Garcia family estate.

On the way in, they passed several members of the Garcia clan. Naomi greeted everyone warmly, but most of them barely acknowledged her and Sylvia—if anything, they seemed colder than before.

Sylvia frowned. “Mom, didn’t they get to the bottom of the whole engagement gift mix-up? Why are they still giving you the cold shoulder?”

Naomi let out a bitter chuckle. “It’s not about that. I talked to Tristan and asked him to take me off the running for house manager.”

Sylvia blinked, surprised. “Why? I thought you always wanted to prove yourself.”

Naomi sighed. “Sylvia, the engagement mess was my fault. But honestly, I’ve made my peace with it. Reese is marrying in, and someone with her background will end up managing the place sooner or later. She’s a good kid. She’ll be fair to me.”

Naomi clearly thought the world of Reese.

But her words hit Sylvia like a needle to the heart—sharp and invisible, leaving her numb and aching.

It wasn’t jealousy. It was guilt.

And as if on cue, Reese appeared.

She was wearing a light gray herringbone coat—one that looked awfully familiar.

Sylvia’s eyes flickered in recognition. Rupert had worn the same style today.

Reese caught her looking and grinned, running her hand down the sleeve. “What do you think? Looks good, right? I had it custom-made as matching coats.”

“Yeah, it’s nice,” Sylvia replied, not daring to meet Reese’s eyes.

Reese handed them each a box. “Naomi, a little New Year’s gift for you.”

“Oh, Reese, you’re too sweet! We’re all family now, you didn’t have to,” Naomi said, her face lighting up as she opened the box.

Inside was a cashmere shawl—luxurious and elegant. Naomi draped it over her shoulders immediately, clearly delighted.

Reese turned to Sylvia, tapping the box in her hands. “This one was picked out by someone special for you. If you don’t like it, go yell at him.”

“Who?” Sylvia asked, puzzled.

Reese burst out laughing. “Ha! Who else? If my brother heard you ask that, he’d probably faint.”

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