Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 592

Everyone stared at Rupert in disbelief.

Everyone knew that the one thing Tristan couldn’t stand was people calling him old.

But Rupert hadn’t just called him old in front of everyone—he’d also chalked up Tristan’s words to drunken rambling. That was basically stomping all over Tristan’s pride.

Tristan’s face tightened, his beard actually quivered, and for a moment, even his usually sharp eyes seemed clouded with shock.

It was as if he couldn’t believe Rupert would say something like that about him.

Sylvia couldn’t believe it either. She had no idea why Rupert would do this.

She slowly lifted her head, her eyes flickering, and then she saw the answer.

Reese was clinging to Rupert’s hand, her face pale, looking like she might faint at any second.

The Sanford family was eyeing Rupert suspiciously too.

Rupert swallowed, then calmly looked straight ahead. Everyone assumed he was looking at Lester.

His voice was deep and cool, “Reese brought both families together for dinner tonight. I’d appreciate it if we kept the conversation on track.”

Reese managed a small smile. “I’m fine, really. Let’s just eat, everyone.”

As she spoke, she glanced at Sylvia, her expression complicated.

Sylvia pressed her lips together and dropped her gaze.

She really shouldn’t have come.

Her appetite gone, Sylvia set her fork down and pulled her hand back.

Right then, Lester caught her hand and looked straight at Tristan.

“Thank you for the compliment, Tristan,” Lester said, his tone a little sarcastic. “Some things are better kept simple—especially when it comes to relationships. All the Sanford men are pretty straightforward in that department. Maybe that’s why our family’s been so successful. After all, a man who cheats on his wife can’t expect much luck in business or life.”

His words had a sharp edge.

Both families had obviously dug into each other’s backgrounds before agreeing to this dinner.

Lester definitely knew a little about Tristan’s old affairs.

Tristan’s face flushed red, then pale, clearly embarrassed.

But Lester just pretended not to notice, and gave Sylvia’s hand a gentle squeeze.

The word “girlfriend” seemed to make Fay even angrier.

She shot a look at Kay, who was swirling her wine and watching like she was at the movies.

Kay checked her watch, nodded slightly, and tossed back her drink—totally unbothered.

Especially since the Garcia family sitting at the table looked like they were barely hiding their smirks.

Now, the Sanfords were even more skeptical about Sylvia’s background.

Sylvia glanced at Fay, who flashed her a smug, challenging smile.

A sense of unease crept over Sylvia.

And then, right as voices started to rise in the room, the private dining room door swung open.

Sylvia froze when she saw who walked in.