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.

No

stepped between Naomi and the

to argue, but instead

could just give

elders glanced at

he knew her character well enough-she could be reckless and impulsive. As for Kay, her approach was never his favorite, but since she was his wife's best friend and treated Reese well, he never said

have gotten this far, it's only right

gratefully. "Thank

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

at her

the Sanford

quiet, his eyes full of

him, then turned to face

were dismissive, but none dared say anything

the same, turning her gaze

do you agree with what they're

Fay and Kay. On the

choice should've

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 placed her hand gently

turned cold and sharp. "Enough. I said

she had already guessed