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

they found her munching on a brownie, cheeks puffed, and crumbs decorating her smile.

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 with a

reaction he had expected. Usually, she would have snapped back at him. Instead, her silence and the

that

Sherilyn blinked in confusion. Im

was at a loss

Caroline intervened, trying to defuse the situation. "Sylvia's waiting. Let's

Gilbert grumbled, giving Sherilyn a stern look. "Just follow us and let's get this

Sherilyn stood up, Caroline suddenly stopped her with

realized what had caught Caroline's attention. Their dresses were identical. They

the same dress for such an occasion was a faux pas, especially in

had been picked out by Charles from a boutique, with

choice, whereas Sherlyn's had thought given

a resigned smile. "Let it

acceptable," Gilbert countered. "Do you want more rumors swirling around