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!"

laughter filled the air as he pointed at Rebecca, "So, you're the one keeping Rebecca, huh? Got quite the taste for damaged goods, don't you? This kind

sentence before Francis' foot met him again, sending him flying into

Insulting James' mother was akin to insulting James himself, and by extension,

took Rebecca's hand and led her away from the

to get up, "She's my wife! What right do you have to

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

...

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

again, he had rescued

no response, not even

to breathe too heavily. She couldn't see him, but she could feel Francis' displeasure. Was

had to admit, she had

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

was indeed angry, but not at her. He was frustrated with

last incident with Eddy taking Rebecca away, Francis had contemplated that Emerald Estates was no longer a suitable place for her. He had been

had intended to

he was still a step too

had almost