Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Sherilyn was flabbergasted and waved her hands dismissively. "No need, Mr. Marshall. Did you need something from me?"

Noticing her unease, Caleb looked puzzled. "You seem really tense. Is it because I wasn't able to step in last night? Given the circumstances..."

"It's not that." Sherilyn quickly shook her head. "I understand the situation. Both you and Director Blake were in a tough spot."

Caleb sighed in relief, his smile beaming. "I do need to ask a favor, though. Could you put in a good word for us with Mr. Johnson?"

What? Sherilyn froze, utterly confused. "Mr. Marshall, what do you mean?"

"Huh?" Caleb was even more surprised than she was, thinking she was playing coy. "Come on, Sherilyn. I know Mr. Johnson's taken a shine to you, but let's not forget who introduced you to this scene, right?"

Sherilyn was even more astonished. What did he mean by Mr. Johnson taking a shine to her? © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"It's not like that," Sherilyn laughed, frustrated. "You've got it all wrong. My relationship with Mr. Johnson isn't what you think it is."

"What do we think, then?" Caleb and Blake exchanged knowing looks, waving off her concerns. "You're worried we'll talk? Don't worry. Considering Mr. Johnson's influence, we wouldn't dare."

"This..." Sherilyn tried to deny it, but then Blake dropped a bombshell. "Let me tell you something— Vincent's been blacklisted."

What? The news hit like a tidal wave, shock following shock!

So, from what Blake was hinting at, this was Gilbert's doing?

"Who else but Mr. Johnson?" Blake said. "He was the only one there last night with the power to do that—" Finding her silence odd, he changed tack, "Wait, Mr. Johnson didn't tell you?"

"No..." Sherilyn shook her head, lost.

"He probably wanted to surprise you!"

Really? Sherilyn frowned, puzzled. Did Gilbert really do this for her? That seemed unlikely. When they were close, even married, he hadn’t done anything like this for her. And now, when they were nothing to each other?

"Sherilyn." Caleb got down to business. "With Vincent out of the picture, I was thinking—how about we bump you up to the lead supporting actress? What do you think?"

Originally, he wouldn’t have dared to dream. But now, things were different. Nexus Media Group was backing the project, and with Mr. Johnson showing a keen interest in Sherilyn, they might all have to curry favor with her. Promoting her to the lead supporting role was a win-win. Caleb genuinely believed in her talent, and it was also a way to get on Gilbert's good side. Why not?

"Lead supporting actress?" Sherilyn hadn't expected that after last night's debacle, not only was her role not in jeopardy, but she was actually being promoted. She was worried. "I'm afraid I might not do well."

"There's nothing to worry about." Blake reassured her. "It's not just about the actor. Do you think Mr. Marshall is just for show? A good director can bring out an actor's potential, guide them to perform!"

"Yeah." Caleb nodded in agreement. "Sherilyn, I have faith in you, and you should trust me too."

"But..." Sherilyn was still hesitant.

"Are you worried about something like last night happening again?" Caleb waved off her concerns. "Don't worry. Now that you're with Mr. Johnson, who would dare mess with you?"

"Yeah, Sherilyn, just focus on your acting."