Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Tonight was the kick-off meeting for the new movie project. The production company behind this venture? None other than the Johnson Group's Nexus Media Group. Gilbert's attendance was a given.

His presence was merely for appearances. The nitty-gritty was for the producers to handle. So, I found a quiet corner, planning to make a quick exit, but little did I know, I was about to witness quite the drama unfold.

Gilbert, tall and commanding, didn't so much as glance at Vincent as he strode in, his gaze fixed on Sherilyn. His expression was a mix of emotions. What was he supposed to say? Just a few days apart, and she had landed herself in this mess?

Sherilyn watched him approach, her mind a blank slate, as if she knew him but also didn't. Her breath came in short gasps.

"Ah," Gilbert let out a dramatic sigh and rubbed his forehead. "Feeling a bit dizzy, I need to step out."

"Of course." Vincent didn't hesitate. "Mr. Johnson, let me walk you out..."

"No need." Gilbert waved him off, nodding towards Sherilyn, "She'll do." This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

That set the room abuzz. Mr. Gilbert had his sights set on her? What else was there to say? Vincent, without missing a beat, nudged Sherilyn, "Didn't you hear Mr. Johnson? Hurry up."

Even Caleb couldn't intervene. Sherilyn had stirred up enough trouble for one evening. Angering Gilbert could mean not just the end of her career in showbiz but struggling to get by in Sunhaven.

"What are you dawdling for?" Gilbert caught her wrist—the one that was bleeding profusely—and led her out of the private room.

Behind them, Blake was sweating bullets, "Mr. Marshall, do you think Sherilyn will be okay?"

The night's events had taken Caleb by surprise too, and he shook his head, "Hard to say, but at least it's Mr. Gilbert she's with, not Vincent, right?"

Blake was overwhelmed with regret. It was his fault Sherilyn was in this situation. All he could do was hope she wouldn’t get hurt.

...

It wasn't until they were downstairs that Gilbert finally let go of Sherilyn's hand. She hadn't resisted on the way down, gradually calming down.

"You..." Gilbert spun around to face her. "You got kicked out of a perfectly good dance troupe! Why come here? Do you even know what this industry is like?"

He was livid! Had he not been there tonight, who knows how things would have ended with Vincent, who could get any woman he wanted by snapping his fingers!

Sherilyn remained silent, head bowed. She was grateful for his intervention but had nothing to explain. The situation was as he saw it.

Gilbert was about to lash out again when he noticed her bloodied hand. His anger gave way to concern, "Why must you always worry me?"

Taking a step forward, he attempted to inspect her wound. "Is it bad? Let me see..."

But Sherilyn pulled away. Gilbert paused, his mood darkening again, "You won't let me see? You think I want to bother? Fine, I won't!"

If he kept this up, he'd be the fool! He stormed off, only to return moments later, his tone softer, "Sorry, I shouldn't have snapped."

She was already frightened. Pointing at her hand, he tried a gentler approach, "You need to see a doctor, you know?"