Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Naomi couldn't hold it in any longer and hurried right up to Fay.

"Miss, please, watch what you say. There's nothing inappropriate going on between Mr. Edwin and me. I'd never get in the way of anyone's relationship."

The moment Fay saw Naomi, she looked absolutely terrified.

"Mrs. Naomi, please... don't do this. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. I shouldn't have spread those rumors."

Naomi hadn't even touched Fay, but Fay recoiled as if she'd been slapped.

Panicked, Fay stumbled backwards, knocking her chair over with a loud clatter against the tiled floor.

The sound of the heavy oak chair crashing echoed through the dining room, making everyone freeze.

Sylvia's heart dropped. She knew then that this dinner was about to head south. Nobody said a word.

Naomi stared at her own hands, trying to explain, "I didn't touch her. I just wanted her to stop talking nonsense."

Kay stood up, annoyed. "Mrs. Naomi, you're a guest here, and I tried to be nice, but now you're getting physical with Fay? What, feeling guilty now?"

"You..."

Naomi was at a loss for words.

she wasn't a match for someone as assertive as Kay. No matter

Sylvia stepped

rush to argue, but instead faced the Sanford family and

everyone. If you could just give me a few

elders glanced at

enough-she could be reckless and impulsive. As for Kay, her approach was never his favorite, but since she was

up quietly, "Since things have gotten this far, it's

gratefully.

defend her, but Sylvia

mess was aimed at her and Naomi, and if

the

stayed quiet, his

turned to face

none dared say anything before Rupert

same, turning her

Rupert, do you agree with

from Fay and Kay. On the other:

choice

her face, the dining room lights reflecting in his gaze, holding back something hard to name. He clenched his napkin tightly, and just as he was about to speak Reese

I said I didn't want

expression didn't change; she had already