Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Pinkie promise." Gilbert effortlessly linked his little finger with his daughter's.

Watching the affectionate father-daughter duo, Sherilyn let out a barely audible sigh. Let it be, she thought. Having one more person to love Jenna was always a good thing. After breakfast, Gilbert left.

Instead of heading straight to the office, he made a detour to the Johnson Estate to see Francis Johnson.

The Johnson Estate was bustling with activity. A few days earlier, Sylvia Johnson and Cara had started preparing for the Christmas celebrations.

At the moment, Sylvia was lecturing Francis.

"Look at you, never knowing anything. The Christmas' almost here; Caroline should be coming back, right? She's always been the one managing our household affairs, and now I'm worn out." Francis responded with his usual three words: "I don't know."

"You..." Sylvia was exasperated.

Her irritation grew when she spotted her grandson. "And you're no help at all! Can you at least bring Sherilyn back home?"

Gilbert shrugged, with brutal honesty, "Can't."

"Ugh!"

Sylvia was fuming. "Out, out, out! Seeing you two just irritates my eyes!"

Bending down to pick up little James, she softened, "At least my James is lovely! Come on, let's go see how Cara's getting on with the holiday preparations."

"Okay!"

duo left, the brothers

"What are you doing here at this

he hadn't been spared from its affairs, making him irritable at the sight of his brother.

but laugh. "Don't worry, I'm not here to

his phone and showed Francis a

it.

Sawyer, who was well-acquainted with Sunhaven's

in the photo right away. "This guy isn't from the Harrison family;

clear who was paying them or

case..." Francis pondered for a moment, then said, "Let's have Sawyer follow you for a while."

"Why act tough?"

only us left; we can't afford any more incidents. Do you want to end up like me,

not what I

don't know their purpose, it's better to wait and see. With Charles, Allen and Abel by my side, and now Sawyer... They'll have to think twice

fell silent, conceding that Gilbert had

fear, it was better to clarify the

nodded in agreement.

I

danced,

Francis couldn't

demeanor bore no resemblance to the somber and fierce character of the