Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 16

"Where did she dash off to?" Gilbert's frown was a mix of impatience and barely concealed imitation

Sylvia had just finished her physical therapy session, and the family gathering was about to start. He had only stepped away to handle a quick matter, and upon turning around, Sherilyn was nowhere to be seen.

"Don't worry," Caroline said with a gentle smile, trying to soothe him. "It's her first time here. She's unfamiliar with the place."

Gilbert scoffed. "Unfamiliar with the place? Then she should have stayed put and waited for me instead of wandering off and causing trouble!"

"Let's not get mad," Caroline intervened, her voice calming "Let's just go find her together"

Suddenly, she paused and pointed. "Oh? Gilbert, look over there Isn't that her?"

Following her gaze, Gilbert spotted Sherilyn, Nodding, he admitted, "Yes, it is

He was slightly surprised. "Sherilyn seems different than before. You've got a sharp eye for recognizing her from this distance." "Yeah," Caroline chuckled. "Woman's intuition, I guess. Let's not keep everyone waiting any longer

cheeks puffed, and crumbs decorating her smile. Noticing then arrival, she hurriedly

couldn't hide his disdain. "What kind of manners are those? We have esteemed guests today. Can't you at least try to present yourself better? Are you trying to embarrass the Johnson family?" Sherilyn swallowed her bite, wiped her mouth clean

the reaction he had expected. Usually, she would have snapped back at him. Instead, her silence and the look of hurt on her face made him feel as

with that

blinked in confusion.

at a loss

to defuse the situation. "Sylvia's waiting. Let's not

Sherilyn a stern look. "Just

suddenly stopped her with a keen

was puzzled until she realized what had caught Caroline's attention. Their

for Caroline earlier Wearing the same dress for such an occasion was a faux pas, especially

had been picked out by Charles from a boutique,

choice, whereas Sherlyn's had thought given to the possibility of a

smile. "Let it be. It's

countered. "Do you want more rumors swirling around the Johnson