Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 509

It was Edwin and Naomi.

Edwin reached into his coat and pulled out a box of pastries.

Even from way across the street, Kay could almost see the steam rising from them.

Years ago, Edwin used to do the same for her.

She’d still been in school back then, while Edwin was already working his way up at a Garcia Group subsidiary.

Back in the day, Mr. Edwin was nothing like the timid man he’d become now.

If she ever craved something—pizza, donuts, you name it—one call, and after class, there he’d be at the school gates, holding exactly what she wanted.

But now…

Naomi was looking at him the way a high schooler might look at a rock star.

Kay couldn’t hear her, but from the way Naomi’s lips moved, she was clearly calling him “babe.”

Ha, as if someone like her could pull that off.

Edwin said something, took Naomi’s hand, and the two of them walked off together, carefree and oblivious.

Kay took a deep breath, turning to Tristan with a wry smile in her eyes.

“If the right person never shows up, being single doesn’t seem so bad.”

“Didn’t realize you were the sentimental type,” Tristan replied, always quick on the uptake.

Kay just smiled, her thoughts elsewhere. “Right now, I just want to see Reese’s wedding go off without a hitch. It was her mother’s last wish, and I don’t want to let her down. It’s just…”

“What is it?”

“It’s the holidays, and Sylvia’s making a huge mess. It’s bad luck, honestly. With all the drama she’s had with Mr. Rupert before, and now there’s this whole sugar-daddy rumor… How am I supposed to trust the Garcias with Reese?”

Kay’s face was troubled, obviously torn.

Tristan’s brow furrowed at the mention of Sylvia—he couldn’t hide his distaste.

And when it came to Sylvia, Tristan’s patience wore thin. He finally said, “Sylvia needs some discipline. Maybe marrying into a strict family would do her some good.”

With Tristan’s tacit approval, Kay’s smile grew a touch smug.

“Honestly, Tristan, I’ve been in talks with the Hansons on the west side of Kingstoria about a business deal. Had lunch with Mrs. Hanson the other day—she was just complaining that her son can’t seem to find the right woman.”

“The Hansons?” Tristan echoed, raising his eyebrows as he glanced at Kay.

Not bad, he thought. She really got things done.

“The Hansons are a big name in Kingstoria. Mr. Hanson’s a real catch, and Mrs. Hanson’s as traditional as they come—very proper. Sylvia would be marrying up, honestly. Give it some time, and she’d fall right in line.”

Kay’s smile was full of meaning.

“You’re not wrong,” Tristan said, “but I’ve already kicked Sylvia out. She’s not my responsibility anymore.” His tone was loaded with implication.

“What about Naomi, then?”