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."

think is worthy then, Ms. Winslet?" Sylvia shot back, not missing a

left no room for argument. "That's your idea of manners? The Garcia family won't tolerate anyone like you. Take your

streamed down her face, her voice lost. She looked as if she'd

something, but before she could speak, a

else get to decide who

Everyone instinctively stepped aside.

her arm linked with

in the corner, settling into the shadows where his expression was hard to read. He pulled out a cigarette, lighting it in the dim glow, smoke curling around his face and making his features

even in the half-light, the chill in the air from him was impossible

at Rupert. "What's your take? You'll be head of the family soon. Don't let

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

to s

Kay. Just one

way everyone in the room was now glaring at Naomi and Sylvia with disdain said it

over. "This is between Edwin and Naomi. No matter what we think, it's up to them

glanced meaningfully at

of smoke and nodded. "Let's wait for Edwin to

Family scandals weren't meant for the world; best to keep the doors closed

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

that's it? You all barge in here, ready to play judge and jury, and Mr. Rupert isn't even going to check