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.

a match for someone as assertive as Kay. No matter what she

when Sylvia stepped between Naomi and the

instead faced the

could just

Sanford family elders glanced at

reckless and impulsive. As for Kay, her approach was never his favorite, but since she was his wife's

"Since things have gotten this far, it's only right we

gratefully.

in and defend her, but Sylvia stopped him

mess was aimed at her and

make the Sanford family more

stayed quiet, his eyes full of

nodded at him, then turned to face the

expressions were dismissive, but none dared say anything

same, turning her gaze

Rupert, do you agree with what

from Fay and Kay.

the choice should've

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

and sharp. "Enough. I said I didn't

she had already guessed his