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!"

left, the brothers

here at

company after the Christmas, but even without holding the official position, 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 bother you. Today, I noticed someone

took out his phone and showed Francis

brow furrowed upon seeing it.

the gravity, he immediately called Sawyer, who was well-acquainted with

"This guy isn't from the

meant it wasn't clear who was paying

then said, "Let's have Sawyer follow you for a

"Why act tough?"

brother's bravado. "The Johnson family has only us left; we can't afford any more incidents. Do you want to end up

that's not what I

since we don't know their purpose, it's better to wait and see. With Charles, Allen and Abel by

conceding that Gilbert

in constant fear, it was better to clarify the opponent's intentions as soon as

in agreement. "But

worry, I value

danced, his

Francis couldn't

demeanor bore no resemblance to the somber