Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Bang!

Gilbert swung his club, but the shot veered off course. It was a complete mess.

...

The day Sherilyn returned to the dance company, it was like a bomb had gone off.

"Ms. Hansen, why is Sherilyn allowed back into the company? You owe us an explanation," demanded Hannah, clearly the most disgruntled among them. She had thought the lead dancer position was in the bag this time. But to everyone's surprise, Sherilyn was back.

"Ms. Hansen, her return surely bends the rules of the company!"

"Exactly!"

"Yeah..."

Faced with the chorus of disapproval, Daphne was well-prepared. She looked calmly at Sherilyn, who stood aside.

Then she explained, "The issue last time was a misunderstanding on my part. Sherilyn had signed the contract with the production company before joining us, so technically, she didn't break any rules."

Upon hearing this, Hannah challenged, "Just because she says it was before, does that make it true?"

"If you don't believe it," Sherilyn said, "Here's the contract. Take a look for yourself."

She was prepared too, pulling out a copy of the contract. That silenced them.

But Hannah was still not convinced. "But, Ms. Hansen, she did take on acting roles after joining the company!"

"True." Ms. Hansen didn't deny it. "That's why I let her go to finish filming before coming back. I fired her, then rehired her. Any issue with that?"

Hannah was stunned. Was that even allowed?

With that, it became clear to everyone that Ms. Hansen was protecting Sherilyn. Rumors of Sherilyn having a powerful backer seemed true.

Daphne surveyed the group. "I bent the rules for Sherilyn, but I don't regret it. You'll see why when she performs with the Sea Breeze Swing. She'll show you why I made an exception for her."

Her words carried weight, and the room fell silent.

"What are you waiting for? Don't you have practice?"

"Let's go."

"Right..."

One by one, they left.

Sherilyn, torn between guilt and gratitude, thanked Daphne. "Ms. Hansen, I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Save it." Daphne had little patience for apologies. "If you're truly sorry, then make sure the premiere is a success. No failures allowed!"

"Yes, Ms. Hansen."

...

Another evening fell. Caroline returned to the Johnson Mansion, just as Sawyer was coming down the stairs.

"Leaving already?" Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Yes." Sawyer offered a smile. "Goodbye, Ms. Bennett."

"Goodbye."

As Sawyer left, Caroline frowned. Sawyer had been visiting Francis frequently, but for what? Given Francis' current state, he couldn't possibly have any tasks for Sawyer. Yet, Sawyer's persistent visits suggested otherwise. Had Francis entrusted Sawyer with something before his condition worsened?

Full of suspicion, Caroline headed upstairs and pushed open the door without knocking.

"Francis?" She was immediately hit by the smell of something burning.

"Francis, what are you doing?"

She hurried over and saw Francis, clearly not expecting her sudden entrance, trying to dispose of a burning piece of paper into an ashtray. His movements were clumsy, and in his panic, he nearly burned his hand.

"Careful!" Caroline was shocked and quickly grabbed his hand. "Are you okay? Did you burn yourself?"

Francis frowned at her and shook his head. By then, the piece of paper had been reduced to ashes, and the tension in his face eased.