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 what she said, Kay would always find some way to

when Sylvia stepped

to argue, but instead faced

could just

Sanford family elders glanced at

man. Although Fay's words seemed credible, he knew her character well enough-she could be reckless and impulsive. As for Kay, her approach was never his favorite, but since

spoke up quietly, "Since things have gotten this far, it's only right we clear

nodded gratefully. "Thank

called softly, wanting to step in and defend her, but Sylvia stopped him with a

was aimed at her and Naomi, and

only make the Sanford family

his eyes full of

nodded at him, then turned to

dismissive, but none dared say anything before

the same, turning her gaze to

"Mr. Rupert, do you agree with what

the wild stories from Fay and Kay. On the

the choice

clenched his napkin tightly, and just as he was about to speak Reese placed her hand gently on

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