Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 546

The first day back at the studio, Eloise called everyone together for a quick meeting—but not before handing out a little “welcome back” Starbucks gift card to kick things off.

She then laid out the work plan for the next month.

After the meeting, Sylvia headed to her desk and immediately shot Naomi a message: “Don’t you dare skip breakfast today.”

Naomi’s reply came back almost instantly.

“Had a new doctor today—she’s awesome. Honestly, after talking to her, I’m not feeling so down anymore, so quit worrying. The only problem is Edwin, I can’t keep this from him much longer. He’s threatening to drive up here and drag me back down the mountain himself.”

“Hang in there,” Sylvia replied, but she couldn’t help but frown.

Didn’t Chris say his friend was a guy? When did the doctor switch to a woman?

Well, whatever—at least Naomi sounded okay. She made a mental note to treat Chris to dinner soon.

Sylvia had just put her phone down when it buzzed again—another unknown number.

She answered, and a deep, no-nonsense voice boomed through the line.

“This afternoon. Come try on the wedding dress.”

It wasn’t a question. It was an order.

“Mr. Hanson—”

*Beep. Beep. Beep.*

He’d hung up already. Seconds later, a text with the address pinged through.

Sylvia opened it and blinked, surprised. Wow. She hadn’t expected Yves to splurge on a place this fancy for a wedding dress fitting. Someone was clearly in a rush to get this marriage show on the road.

She texted back a simple, “Got it.”

That afternoon, she went to Eloise’s office to ask for some time off. Eloise didn’t make a fuss—gave her a half day, no problem.

Sylvia grabbed a cab to the bridal boutique. She hadn’t expected to run into anyone she knew.

“Sylvia? No way, what are you doing here?” Reese’s voice rang out, delighted and surprised.

Sylvia pretended not to see. After all, the one pushing her into this marriage with Yves was none other than her own aunt, clinging tightly to her arm.

When Sylvia stayed quiet, Yves pulled her closer. “As long as she’s okay with it, that’s all that matters.”

“Aunt Kay, stop!” Reese’s cheeks turned pink.

Kay grinned. “Oh, come on. If Rupert wasn’t dying to marry you, why’d he clear his schedule just to help pick out your dress?”

Reese glanced up at Rupert, her face lighting up with happiness.

Meanwhile, Yves’s grip on Sylvia’s arm tightened, like he was trying to snap it in two.

Sylvia winced and tried to pull away just as another figure stepped up beside them.

She paused, glancing up—it was Lester.

He stuck out his hand to Yves. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Reese. Nice to finally meet you.”