Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 364

When Sylvia heard the news that Bridget was pregnant, she slammed her spoon down so hard her bowl rattled, splashing hot soup all over her blouse.

Everyone at the dining table turned to look at her, their eyes sharp and judgmental.

After all, the last time this many people were in one room, it was to roast her for allegedly drugging Tristan and sneaking into his bed.

Sylvia scrambled to her feet, grabbing a napkin to dab at the mess. “Sorry about that.”

Tristan barely glanced at her, his voice clipped. “You can’t show up looking like that. Maybe you should head out.”

Translation: You’re not welcome.

Sylvia’s hand froze mid-wipe. She finally understood why Tristan insisted she come to this dinner in the first place.

It was all about “clearing out the bad vibes.” And apparently, she was the bad vibe.

She lowered her gaze and nodded, “Yeah. Well, enjoy your meal.”

Grabbing her shoulder bag, Sylvia walked out of the dining room, feeling everyone’s eyes follow her like cold knives between her shoulder blades.

A minute later, Naomi hurried after her.

“Sylvia, I’m sorry. I had no idea Tristan would—”

“It’s fine. You saw how he was. Now that Bridget’s pregnant and moving in, I won’t be coming around anymore. If you want to see me, let’s meet somewhere else, okay?”

She tried to sound cheerful for Naomi’s sake, even though her heart felt heavy.

Naomi bit her lip. “Three years without a baby, and now she comes back from a weekend getaway and suddenly she’s expecting?”

Sylvia’s voice was cold. “Well, it takes two to tango.”

Naomi fell silent, awkward and hurt.

She took Sylvia’s hand and led her toward the back porch. “Come on. I bought you some new clothes for the season. You’re a designer now, you can’t keep wearing last year’s stuff.”

Sylvia rolled her eyes. “I’m still just an intern, Mom. I only make, like, a grand a month. I don’t need a wardrobe overhaul.”

Naomi just waved her off. “Let me spoil you for once.”

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