Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 521

“So you’re really just going to judge someone without checking the facts first?”

Rupert’s eyes were dark and unreadable as he looked at Sylvia, his tone cold. “I don’t need to.”

Sylvia glanced at Rupert’s protective arm around Reese. What a devoted husband—he’d do anything for his wife. Even Kay, Reese’s aunt, was ready to stand by her side.

She let out a short, bitter laugh, ready to retort, but Kay, standing across from her, slowly twisted the ring on her finger—a warning, or maybe a threat.

“I think Ms. Lloyd is just doing this for Mrs. Naomi’s sake,” Kay said smoothly. “Why don’t we call Mrs. Naomi over to clear things up? Wouldn’t want any more misunderstandings, right?”

Kay knew perfectly well Naomi couldn’t come. She wasn’t allowed.

Sylvia felt her throat go dry, but finally forced herself to speak.

“Ms. Winslet, I’m sorry.”

“Can I go now?”

She turned to leave.

“Stop right there! Who said you could leave?” Tristan barked. “Ms. Winslet is Reese’s aunt and a guest of honor in the Garcia family. Just because she forgives you doesn’t mean the Garcias will.”

“You moved in with your mom when you were sixteen. The Garcia family put a roof over your head, fed you, clothed you, and you kept causing trouble. And now you think you can just walk out?”

Sylvia spun around, staring him down. “Yeah, I moved in when I was sixteen. But from day one, I worked to support myself. The Garcias’ money doesn’t count for me.”

“And your mom?” Tristan shot back. “She hasn’t earned a penny all these years.”

Sylvia clenched her fist tight, the pain in her palm grounding her.

“So what do you want, exactly?”

Tristan gave a harsh laugh. “You want to leave? Fine. Pay back every cent you owe. Last time you got out of family discipline by pure luck. This time, no one’s saving you.”

“So after the family punishment, I’m done? No more ties to the Garcia family at all—not a single one?”

She said it slowly, each word sharp as a knife.

“Yes,” Tristan said, his voice final.

“Good.”

“Rupert’s head of the family now. It’s only right he does it.”

Everyone turned toward the man at the head of the room.

Rupert.

His eyes were black and cold in the harsh light, his face unreadable.

“You can’t stand another second?”

“That’s right.”

Sylvia shut her eyes, refusing to even look at him.

They stood there in the falling snow, the air thick with tension.

Rupert slowly lifted his pale hand, flexing his fingers.

“Give me the whip.”