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!"

Rebecca, "So, you're the one keeping Rebecca, huh? Got quite the

foot met him again, sending him flying into a wall with even greater force

in pain, Francis felt a momentary relief. Insulting James' mother was akin to insulting James himself, and by extension, an insult to

took Rebecca's hand and led

dare leave!" Eddy managed to get up, "She's my wife! What right do you have to take

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

...

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

again, he

Francis offered no response, not even

couldn't see him, but she could feel Francis' displeasure. Was it because she had become a

had to admit,

most of it was unintentional, like today. She couldn't understand

surmised, Francis was indeed angry, but

taking Rebecca away, Francis had contemplated that Emerald Estates was no longer a suitable

intended to do just

was still a step too

had almost