Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Sure thing, Mr. Johnson, please sign here. It's $1,538."

This hairband, though similar to the one Sherilyn has, is quite different. Hers is adorned with plastic beads, while this one boasts authentic Tahitian pearls, justifying the steep price difference.

Gilbert signed the receipt, secured the hairband, and left TeeMall.

…

Back at the Johnson Estate.

First, Gilbert sought out Sylvia, and then he made his way to Francis' room.

At that moment, Francis was reclining in a salon chair in the bathroom, with Caroline getting ready to wash his hair.

"Is Gilbert here?"

"Hey Francis, Caroline."

Caroline rolled up her sleeves, her phone suddenly rang. "Perfect timing, I'll take this call. Chat with your brother for a bit. I'll be right back..."

With that, she stepped out with her phone.

"Alright."

Gilbert pulled up a chair and sat down, casually draping an arm over the backrest.

Facing Francis, Gilbert still had traces of the 'little boy' he once was.

Seizing the moment with Caroline away, Gilbert lowered his voice, diving into gossip, "So, big bro, who's this person Sawyer's been hunting for lately?"

He hadn't specifically snooped around; it was just that Charles had heard something through the grapevine.

Details were scarce.

Francis tensed, his brow furrowing slightly.

He tried to speak but couldn't.

"Huh?"

Seeing Francis' sudden nervousness, Gilbert teased, "Don't tell me, you're looking for a lady?"

"No… Nons…" At that, Francis grew agitated, his throat emitting unclear sounds.

"You mean...nonsense?"

Understanding him, Gilbert raised an eyebrow, smirking, "Easy there, big bro. I know about Caroline. I'm just messing with you. Don't worry, I won't stir up trouble with Caroline..."

As for whom his brother was actually seeking, Gilbert, playing the role of the dutiful younger brother, wouldn't pry if Francis chose not to share.

"What are you guys talking about?"

Just then, Caroline re-entered the room after her call.

"Just chatting."

Gilbert stood up with a smile, "I'll leave you two to it."

As he turned to leave, something fell from him…

Caroline opened her mouth to call him back, only to spot… a pearl hairband?

Wasn't that a woman's accessory? Why did Gilbert have it?

Her brow furrowed as she picked up the seemingly new hairband.

Behind her, Francis let out a raspy sound: "%&￥…"

"I'm here."

Jolted back to reality, Caroline raised her hand, unraveling the hairband and tying up her long hair.

"Sorry for the wait. Let's start washing your hair."

…

Back in his room, Gilbert realized the hairband he’d bought for Sherilyn was missing. What happened? Where could it have gone?

After searching everywhere, even running back to his car, he found nothing.

Could he have dropped it in his brother's room? RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

It seemed intrusive to disturb them now.

Resigned, Gilbert decided to let it go and buy another one later.

…

At seven in the evening.

Sherilyn was getting ready for a performance, applying her makeup.

"Sherilyn."

Rebecca came in, nodding towards the door, "Someone's here to see you..." she lowered her voice, "It's a handsome guy!"

Sherilyn instantly knew who it was, "Rebecca, tell him I won't see him, ask him to leave."

"Ah?"

Rebecca paused, then nodded, "Alright then."

She turned and walked towards the waiting Edgar at the door.

When Edgar saw Rebecca, his face, which had been filled with anticipation, fell. "Sherilyn won't see me."