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

When approaching Sherilyn, they found her munching on a brownie, cheeks puffed, and crumbs decorating her smile. Noticing then arrival, she hurriedly set the plate down.

Gilbert 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 with a napkin, and nodded without a word. "Understood"

Gilbert felt like he had punched a pillow. It wasn't 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 though he was the one being unreasonable, stiming an uncomfortable feeling within him.

"What's with that attitude?" he pressed

"What do you mean?" Sherilyn blinked in confusion. Im just doing as you said. Anything wrong?"

Gilbert was at a loss for words, his frustration growing.

"Enough," Caroline intervened, trying to defuse the situation. "Sylvia's waiting. Let's not delay any further."

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

"Okay" As Sherilyn stood up, Caroline suddenly stopped her with a keen look.

Sherilyn was puzzled until she realized what had caught Caroline's attention. Their dresses were identical. They had chosen the same outfit for the evening.

No wonder some other guests, including Darlene, had mistaken her for Caroline earlier Wearing the same dress for such an occasion was a faux pas, especially in their social circle

n's had been picked out by Charles from a boutique, with no

Gilbert noticed it, too. Caroline's dress was her choice, whereas Sherlyn's had thought given to the possibility of a clash.

"It's okay," Caroline said with a resigned smile. "Let it be. It's not a big deal."

"That's not acceptable," Gilbert countered. "Do you want more rumors swirling around the Johnson family?"

If they appeared in the same dress, gossip about rivalry within the family would spread like wildfire through Sunhaven

Caroline pondered. "I'll go change, then. But I didn't bring a spare dress, so I'd have to wait for my agent to bring one. might miss the start of the party."

She asked Gilbert, "Could you please explain to Sylvia...

Before she could finish, Gilbert stopped her, "No, you can't miss it. Do you forget who you are?"

That means!

Caroline's status in Sunhaven wasn't just any. She was one of the most sought-after leading ladies in the local theater scene, a star whose presence was expected and celebrated