Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Then take a good look. See who this really is."

As soon as Tristan finished speaking, the bodyguard shoved Naomi into the room.

Naomi stumbled and nearly fell against the edge of the bed, but Sylvia rushed over and caught her just in time.

Before they could steady themselves, Kay stormed over and yanked open Naomi's blouse.

"See? This is our Mrs. Naomi-flaunting another man's marks! No wonder she's been hiding. I wouldn't want to show my face either."

Naomi tried to fight back, but she was still weak from her injuries-no match for Kay's aggression.

Thankfully, Sylvia managed to pull the blouse closed and button it up again, shielding Naomi from further humiliation.

Naomi's face burned with shame, her eyes brimming with tears. "Kay, you've gone too far."

Kay snorted. "Too far? Please. At least I don't mess around with pretty boys. Can you say the woman in this photo isn't you?"

She waved a compromising photo in Naomi's face.

Naomi glanced at it, bit her lip so hard it nearly bled, and said nothing.

"So you admit it." Kay's tone was mocking, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "I feel sorry for Mr. Edwin, really. To think he married someone like you."

do you think is worthy then, Ms.

knife. His voice left no room for argument. "That's your idea of manners? The Garcia family won't tolerate anyone like you. Take your mother and get out-both of you! Edwin will deal

face, her voice lost. She looked as if she'd been nailed to the wall of shame, all color draining

her mother, ready to say something, but before she could speak, a

else get to decide who

Everyone instinctively stepped aside.

her arm

settling into the shadows where his expression was hard to read. He pulled out a cigarette, lighting

air from him was impossible to ignore. All eyes turned to him, waiting for his

"What's your take? You'll be head of the family soon. Don't let the elders down handling a mess

I heard from Mrs Hanson that Sylvia. actually agreed to marry Yves, who's got a reputation for being violent. These two have quite an interesting taste in men,

to s

his cigarette, then looked at Kay. Just one glance was

room was now glaring at Naomi and Sylvia with

the tension, tried to smooth things over. "This is between Edwin and Naomi. No matter what we think,

glanced meaningfully

smoke and nodded. "Let's wait for Edwin to come home. He'll make the

agreement. Family scandals weren't meant for the world; best to keep the doors closed and settle things in

everyone seemed ready to accept this, Sylvia stepped in front of Naomi, her laughter

play judge and