Whispers Turn

Chapter 17 

Adding to her spotlight, she was the fiancée of Francis Johnson, the eldest grandson of the Johnson family, making her quite the center of attention in Sunhaven. 

If she were to miss tonight’s dinner, God knows what stories the media would concoct by the next day. 

Caroline chuckled casually, “It’s fine. We didn’t invite the major media outlets anyway.” 

But Gilbert disagreed, “With the internet these days, anyone with a smartphone can make news. Better to be safe than sorry” 

“You have a point.” Caroline conceded, then in a bind, “So, what do we do?” 

It wouldn’t work, and that wouldn’t work, so what was to be done? © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Gilbert’s gaze landed on Sherilyn, silent all this while. After a moment’s thought, he said coldly. “Go change your dress!” 

Hearing their non–stop chatter, Sherilyn had expected this and nodded with a faint smile on her lips. “Okay” 

But there was an issue Sherlyn couldn’t ignore. “If I change, what do I wear?” 

That question seemed to stump Gilbert, who had realized that Sherilyn had changed into her current outfit earlier and didn’t have a formal dress, let alone casual clothes. 

Ever so helpful, Caroline interrupted, “I have some spare clothes in my car trunk. If you don’t mind, they could work just for tonight.” 

Was she to wear Caroline’s old clothes? Sherilyn hesitated before responding. 

“What’s the matter?” Gilbert frowned, his tone laced with sarcasm, “Are you unhappy? Does wearing Caroline’s clothes bring down your status?” 

“Not at all” Sherilyn shook her head, “Her clothes are quite expensive, aren’t they? I’m just worried about damaging or staining them.” 

She was being honest. She couldn’t afford to pay. 

“Are you kidding me?” Gilbert looked at her coldly, “You’d pay with the Johnson family’s money anyway, wouldn’t you?” Seeing his point, Sherilyn stopped fussing and looked at Caroline. “Then, thank you.” 

“Don’t mention it. We’re practically family. No need for thanks.” Caroline smiled, turning to instruct her manager to fetch the clothes. Meanwhile, Sherilyn returned to her room to wait. 

Watching Sherilyn leave, Gilbert’s eyes narrowed as he thought, ‘She seems different from before. Is it an act, or is it genuine?” While waiting for the dinner to start, Gilbert and Caroline moved to join Sylvia. 

“There you are.” Sylvia glanced behind them, puzzled, “Where’s Sherilyn?” 

“She…” Gilbert hesitated, frowning. 

“Sylvia.” Caroline responded faster, bending down to explain, “Sherilyn is feeling a bit under the weather, but she’ll be here in a bit.” “Not feeling well?” Sylvia frowned, “Is it serious?” 

“It’s no big deal, Sylvia.” Caroline reassured Sylvia softly, “We should start the dinner now, Everyone’s waiting.” 

“Ah, yes, of course.” Not wanting to keep the guests waiting, Sylvia gave the order, “Sorry, everyone, Sherilyn’s not feeling well. Let her rest a bit. Let’s start without her.” 

*With Gilbert and Caroline present, the dinner started with a lot of fanfare. 

When Sherilyn emerged in her changed outfit, Sylvia was stunned, “Sherilyn, why are you dressed like that?” 

Gone was the formal dress, replaced with a casual mini skirt that showcased her long, model like legs, standing out amongst the high–society ladies present. 

Sherilyn hesitated, “L” 

“Sylviar” Before Sherilyn could explain, Carpline interrupted, “She spilled a drink on her dress earlier, so I lent her one of my casual outfits.” 

While speaking, Caroline gave Sherilyn a meaningful look, signaling her to keep quiet about the truth. 

Gilbert, standing behind Sherilyn, caught on to Caroline’s intention, squeezing Sherilyn’s arm and whispering in her ear 

His voice was so low that only they could hear. “Listen to Caroline. Remember, you owe her!”