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!"

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

foot met him again, sending him flying into a

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

Rebecca's hand and led her away from

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

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

...

calmed down, whispering, "Mr.

he had

offered no response, not

her lip, not daring to breathe too heavily. She couldn't see him, but she could

admit, she

was unintentional, like today. She couldn't understand why

indeed angry, but not at her. He was

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

had intended to do just

he was still a

mother had almost been mistreated