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!"

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

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

a momentary relief. Insulting James' mother was akin to insulting James himself, and by

hand and led her away

Eddy managed to get up, "She's my

Sawyer's men held him back, leaving him feeling

...

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

he had rescued

this time, Francis offered no response, not

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

to admit, she

was unintentional, like today. She couldn't

Rebecca had surmised, Francis was indeed angry, but not

Francis had contemplated that Emerald Estates was no longer a suitable place for her. He had

had intended to do

he was still a

mother had almost