Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 476

When Naomi heard Tristan was looking for her, she figured he wanted to compliment her efficiency. With a smug grin, she grabbed Sylvia’s arm and led her straight out.

As Sylvia stepped into the living room, she was surprised to see not only the Garcias but the entire Sanford clan gathered there as well.

The second the two women entered, every pair of eyes in the room fixed on them with thinly veiled contempt.

Sylvia barely made it to the center of the room before she met Rupert’s icy stare.

He was seated at the head of the room, slowly twisting a ruby ring around his finger, his face set in a look of cold detachment.

Sylvia instantly knew—something had gone terribly wrong.

She’d barely found her footing when she noticed dozens of unwrapped gift bags scattered across the floor.

Before she could say a word, Reese hurried over, worry etched all over her face.

“Sylvia, what’s going on with these gifts?”

Sylvia leaned in for a closer look but Naomi, as if recalling something, jumped in, “Ms. Sanford, did we forget something in the gift bags? I can call someone to fix it right away.”

Reese held up her hand to stop her, her face conflicted as she turned to Sylvia. “Sylvia, are you sure you weren’t too tired and missed something?”

Sylvia frowned, confused, just as the sound of a porcelain cup clattering onto a saucer echoed from the side sofa.

She glanced over and saw a woman in a champagne-colored silk dress, a pair of elegant black Tahitian pearls dangling from her ears. The woman sat with a regal posture, every inch exuding sophistication.

She wore a gentle smile, but her eyes were cold as they landed on Sylvia and Naomi.

“Reese, I know you mean well,” the woman said, her tone smooth but firm, “but this concerns the reputation of both families. We need an explanation.”

“Aunt Kay! Sylvia and Naomi have always treated me kindly. I trust them completely,” Reese blurted, her voice strong.

Aunt?

Sylvia’s mind raced, searching for any memory of this woman.

In her past life, after marrying Rupert and having their child, she’d been kept on a tight leash, rarely allowed out. Her only escape was browsing the internet.

“Is that so?”

Kay cast a glance at the mess of gift bags on the floor.

A sinking feeling hit Sylvia. She tore open one of the boxes at random.

The second she held the custom bracelet in her hand, she realized it was far too light.

Luxury brands always had their marks. Sylvia checked for the maker’s stamp and felt her blood run cold.

What was supposed to be a platinum and diamond bracelet was actually made of silver and cubic zirconia. The price difference was staggering.

With at least fifty boxes here, that was nearly half a million dollars gone.

Sylvia’s fingers trembled.

Naomi looked over dismissively and huffed, “Everything’s here. How can you accuse me of skimming off the top?”