Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Mr. Francis?"

The call from the housekeeper snapped Rebecca to attention, her gaze inadvertently locking with Francis'.

That single glance, an unintended collision of eyes, spurred Francis into action, quickening his pace towards her.

Eddy, witnessing this exchange, was seething with rage.

With a swift motion, he delivered a harsh slap to Rebecca, "You tramp! Flirting with another man right in front of me, huh?"

Before he could finish his tirade, a sharp cry of pain cut him off as he doubled over, clutching his stomach.

Francis had landed a solid kick to his midsection and swiftly pulled Rebecca behind him for protection.

"You..."

Eddy, face contorted with anger, stared up at Francis, "And who the hell are you?"

Francis had been out of the picture for years, recovering from a long-term illness, and during his absence, Eddy had risen to prominence within the Johnson family, never having met him.

"Hah!"

keeping Rebecca, huh? Got quite the taste

finish his sentence before Francis' foot met him again, sending him flying into a wall with

Eddy writhe in pain, Francis felt a momentary relief. Insulting James' mother was akin to insulting

and led her away from

leave!" Eddy managed to get up, "She's my wife! What

attempt to follow was useless; Sawyer's men held him back, leaving him

...

Rebecca had calmed down, whispering, "Mr. Francis,

he had

offered no response, not

heavily. She couldn't see him, but

had to admit, she had

of trouble, though most of it was unintentional, like today. She couldn't understand why Francis had suddenly

Rebecca had surmised, Francis was indeed angry,

Estates was no longer a suitable place for her. He had been considering how to

had intended to

was still a step

had almost been