Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 534

When Sylvia came back to the table, her eyes were rimmed red—you’d have to be blind not to realize she’d been crying.

Reese immediately set down her fork and handed Sylvia a napkin. “Hey, Sylvia, are you alright?”

Sylvia clutched the napkin, trying to keep it together. “I’m fine. Just got some soap in my eyes, that’s all.”

At that, Kay shot Sylvia a quick glance, her eyes lingering on the swollen redness, then gave an awkward little laugh. She took a sip of her chowder and, over the rim of her spoon, exchanged a silent look with Mrs. Hanson.

Mrs. Hanson, wrapped in her thick fur stole, set down her knife and fork. There was a look in her eyes—kind of generous, but in that condescending way. “Sylvia, we’ve already talked to Mr. Rupert and the others. The wedding’s set for next week. We’ll keep it simple.”

Sylvia looked up, shooting Rupert a cold glance. “Don’t need my opinion, I guess.”

“Good girl. That’s the way. A woman should follow her husband’s lead—that’s how it’s always been. These days, women are too pampered for their own good. Someone needs to set them straight.”

Mrs. Hanson smiled sweetly at Sylvia, but it felt sharp, like there were thorns behind it. “Once you’re married, I’ll make sure you learn how things are done around here. You’re young—having five, six, seven kids won’t be any trouble at all.”

Sylvia didn’t reply. She didn’t argue either. She just glanced down at Mrs. Hanson’s waist, almost absentmindedly.

Suddenly, Mrs. Hanson’s superior smile faltered, and she tugged her fur tighter around her midsection. “I… I was just busy with work when I was younger. Didn’t have time for kids, that’s all.”

“Sure,” Sylvia replied quietly, barely bothering to hide her amusement.

No wonder the Hanson family only ever had one kid per generation, she thought. Mrs. Hanson never seemed to realize that while she treated other women like livestock, she was a woman herself. Of course, she only had the guts to say those things because someone always backed her up.

The more humble Sylvia acted, the more pleased Rupert and Kay looked.

“Sylvia, after the wedding, you’ll quit your job and focus on being a mom. First one should be a boy, of course. After that, it doesn’t matter much if it’s a boy or a girl. By the third—”

Before Mrs. Hanson could finish, Rupert set his wine glass down with a gentle but decisive clink. His fingers, decorated with a ruby ring, traced the rim, leaving a hint of red behind.

Mrs. Hanson, embarrassed, gave a weak smile. She didn’t even try to argue with her son.

Sylvia caught Yves’s eye, feeling a strange discomfort, but before she could look away, Reese misread the situation.

Reese reached over, blocking Yves’ fork. “Yves, don’t fuss over me. Don’t forget about Sylvia.”

“I’d appreciate it if you remembered how to treat guests,” Yves said coldly. “This isn’t the place for you to throw a tantrum.”

Sylvia pursed her lips and quietly dabbed at her sweater with a napkin. Her quiet acceptance seemed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Everyone except for one pair of eyes, which lingered on her a little too long.