Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Caroline acted as if nothing was out of the ordinary, her demeanor unchanged.

"I got home early today. How about we take a stroll in the garden?" she suggested.

Francis nodded in agreement.

He was still wheelchair-bound, but with some help, he could now stand up. Taking a few steps wasn't a problem, and he was eager to try.

"Let's go," he said.

Caroline stood up and began to push the wheelchair outside.

Later in the garden, as Francis practiced standing with the aid of a walker, a servant approached.

Standing behind Caroline, the servant whispered, "Ms. Bennett, all the trash has been taken care of."

"Okay," Caroline nodded. "Anything suspicious?"

"Take a look at this."

Turning around, the servant handed her a charred fragment, about the size of two knuckles.

Caroline examined it and frowned. It was a corner of a photograph, apparently a head, and judging by the hairstyle, it seemed to belong to a girl.

Was this what Francis had burned in a panic... a girl's photograph? Why? Who was this girl? All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

"It's fine now," Caroline dismissed the matter.

"Yes, Ms. Bennett."

Caroline waved the servant away, carefully pocketing the fragment.

...

The date for the performance was set. This Friday, at 8 PM. Being scheduled for such a prime time slot indicated Daphne Hansen's high expectations and importance placed on the show.

Sherilyn was both nervous and excited. This was her debut on the professional stage, a critical moment that spelled success or failure.

With tickets going on sale online, Sherilyn forced herself to sleep that night, heeding Daphne's advice.

"Don't worry about ticket sales. Lightning Dance Troupe shows always sell out. Just focus on your performance."

"If the debut flops, that's when it'll really affect the troupe."

Sure enough, when Sherilyn checked the ticketing website the next morning, it was a sell-out!

"Wow." Sherilyn covered her mouth in excitement, realizing she was on a great platform. Failing now would mean she wasn't cut out for this.

Then, her phone buzzed. A message from Edgar Ferguson.

[Congrats, the show's sold out!]

Followed by a smiley face with red cheeks.

Sherilyn chuckled, touched that he was keeping tabs.

[Thank you.]

[Best of luck with the performance. You got this, Sherilyn!]

On the other end, Edgar put down his phone, pondering for a moment before opening a group chat. Composing a message.

[This Friday, Lightning Dance Troupe's show, VIP box tickets. Who's in?]

He hit send and waited for responses.

Yes, Edgar had bought tickets. He was pursuing Sherilyn, and her debut was not something he'd miss for the world.

He had even planned to buy out remaining tickets if sales were slow, willing to spend whatever necessary.

But he was pleasantly mistaken. He had stayed up for the ticket release, clicking the link right at midnight. But he wasn't the only one eager.

In the end, he managed to snag a few VIP box tickets, just in the nick of time.

His phone lit up, the group chat coming alive.

Derek asked, [Sherilyn's debut?]

Edgar replied, [Yes, let's show our support.]

Yates added, [Sounds good, I'm free.]

Edgar said, [Thanks, man.]

Derek said, [Count me in. What about Mr. Gilbert? Why so quiet?]

Gilbert, named in the chat, was sipping coffee, a smirk on his lips. Composing a message.

[Sure, I've got nothing better to do.]

Edgar said, [Awesome! Thanks, guys!]

Putting down his phone, Gilbert Johnson remained cool and collected, unfazed by the excitement.