Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 1173

Sure! Here's a rewritten, Westernized version of your excerpt, adapted as a contemporary English-language novel. I've replaced the Chinese names, locations, and cultural details with Western equivalents, using familiar foods, customs, and speech patterns.

**The Next Morning**

Gilbert woke up early. Sherilyn was still sound asleep beside him, cheeks flushed from her dreams.

Not wanting to wake her, Gilbert carefully slid out from under the covers. As soon as his feet hit the hardwood floor, he heard a sleepy little sigh behind him.

"Mmm..."

He turned around quickly. Sherilyn was still out cold, eyes shut, rolling over to stretch her legs out from under the blanket.

Apparently, she wasn't awake.

Gilbert frowned and gently pulled the comforter back over her bare feet. She always kicked the covers off at night, and with the chill in the air, she'd catch cold if he let her be.

She was a handful, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

was settled, Gilbert tiptoed out of the bedroom and slipped into the guest bath down the

just pulling on a fresh shirt when his

big brother," Gilbert answered, keeping his voice

"Caroline's gone missing

Gilbert stiffened. That couldn't be right.

night, I tried to get in touch with the hospital.

"Where could

hesitated. "She's smart, Gil. Real smart. She left with her nurse and bought dozens of plane

was silent for a second, trying to process. "No one can be in ten places at

bought, but there's no telling which one she

see," Francis continued, "she's probably

of knowing for sure. But Gilbert

coming back to Sunhaven,

"Looks that way."

to?" Gilbert was starting to get anxious. He'd always been quicker to react than Francis, more impulsive. And something