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.

assertive as Kay. No matter what she said, Kay would always

was when Sylvia stepped between Naomi and the

but instead faced the Sanford

could just give me

family elders glanced at

for Kay, her approach was never his favorite, but since

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

nodded gratefully. "Thank

wanting to step in and defend her,

at her and Naomi,

only make the Sanford family

stayed quiet, his eyes full of

then turned to face the

but none dared say anything before Rupert spoke, so they all

same, turning her

"Mr. Rupert, do you

Fay and Kay.

Rupert, the choice

to name. He clenched his napkin tightly, and just as he was about to

voice turned cold and sharp. "Enough. I said I didn't want to discuss anything else

expression didn't change; she had already guessed his