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 find some way to twist

stepped between Naomi and the

to argue, but instead faced the Sanford

you could just give me a

family elders glanced

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

have gotten this far,

gratefully. "Thank

called softly, wanting to step in and defend her, but Sylvia

mess was aimed at her and

make the Sanford family more

his eyes full of

then turned to face the Garcia

dared say anything before

the same, turning her gaze

was direct: "Mr. Rupert, do you agree

the wild stories from Fay and Kay. On the other:

Rupert, the choice should've

He clenched his napkin tightly, and just

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

change; she had