Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Lester hopped out of the car first, then turned and offered his hand to Sylvia.

She shifted on the seat, gripping the door. “I can manage on my own,” she said.

But Lester didn't move his hand away. "Aren't you forgetting something? Tonight, you're my date."

Sylvia hesitated, but didn't argue further-she'd already signed that million-dollar contract.

When Eloise found out, she'd even doubled Sylvia's bonus. No way she could slack off now.

With a resigned smile, Sylvia placed her hand in Lester's and stepped out. Her brand-new heels wobbled unexpectedly, and she lurched forward, right into Lester's arms.

He caught her around the waist without missing a beat. "I'll have Zion run out and buy you some flats. You're tall enough, no need to torture yourself."

"Thank you," Sylvia said, grateful.

Just then, a familiar voice called out across the parking lot.

"Hey! Lester? Sylvia!"

Sylvia froze, her head snapping up.

Reese was walking over with Rupert, arm in arm, both looking surprised. When Rupert stopped in front of Sylvia, his gaze was as cold as a January wind after a blizzard-like a warning.

But what was there to warn her about? They'd made things clear between them. Lester glanced at her, suspicious. "You two know each other?"

Rupert's eyes narrowed, waiting for her reply.noveldrama

A chill ran down Sylvia's spine. She didn't dare meet Rupert's eyes. "Mr. Rupert is... technically, my Uncle Rupert."

"Ah." Lester's eyebrows quirked up. He subtly shifted to stand a bit in front of Sylvia, facing Rupert with a calm, unreadable expression.

The two men, both seasoned in corporate games, saw the challenge in each other instantly-even if their faces stayed polite.

Lester extended his hand. "Mr. Rupert, I've heard a lot about you."

Rupert took his hand, expressionless. "Mr. Sanford. The feeling's mutual." Their handshake tightened, neither man giving an inch.

Lester grinned. "Guess that makes family introductions a little complicated."

Sylvia stared at him in surprise. What was he talking about? She was just his pretend date, not meeting his parents!

She'd expected Rupert, of all people, to dodge such a tricky question. But he just glanced at Reese and said quietly, "Not at all."

Reese blushed and gave a shy smile.

No wonder Rupert answered so quickly he wanted to reassure Reese.

Sylvia's heart twisted. Of course not. The Garcia family had never treated her as family. So why worry about "family ties"?

Now she understood Rupert's warning-reminding her of her place. She was an outsider, both to the Garcias and the Sanfords.

Sylvia looked down, lost in thought. Suddenly, Reese gasped.

"Lester, your neck-wait, let me wipe that off for you!"

Sylvia glanced over and saw a smudge of red on Lester's collar-her lipstick, unmistakably.

She flushed and reached out, flustered. "Sorry, Lester, that was me. Let me get that."

Reese burst out laughing, teasing, “Lester? Since when do you have a little sister, bro?"

Sylvia's cheeks burned. She'd practiced saying "Lester" over and over on the way here, just to make sure she wouldn't slip up. And here she was, already blowing her cover.

Lester didn't bother correcting her. Instead he gave her a conspiratorial Go easy on her, Reese. She's

look

got

à bit of a temper."

Sylvia shot him a glare. Was that a dig about her sitting at the wrong table yesterday?

Across the way, Reese leaned toward Rupert and whispered, "Honestly, don't you think my brother and Sylvia make a cute couple?"

Rupert said nothing, his face unreadable.

Just then, Tristan strode up with a group of people. The moment he saw Sylvia, his expression soured.

"What are you doing here? Didn't you say you'd never show your

any Garcia family event face

Changed your mind now, huh?"

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