Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Gilbert's eyes flickered with emotion.

Was Sherilyn... unwilling to see him?

"Don't be upset..."

Caroline continued, "Your father was just trying to do what's best for you. He probably thought you'd want Sherilyn by your side, that's why he..." Gilbert closed his eyes for a moment, his already pale face taking on an ashen hue.

He did want Sherilyn by his side...

But not like this. Not forced.

Noticing his expression, Caroline let go of his hand and whispered, "Hang on, I'll go fetch Sherilyn..."

Gilbert gave no clear response, and Caroline silently wheeled herself out.

When the door opened, Caroline signaled to the bodyguard, "Bring her in, Gilbert wants to see her."

The bodyguards exchanged glances and nodded. They pulled Sherilyn up and led her inside.

"Come in."

"Sherilyn...?"

Gilbert was lying down, and the moment he saw Sherilyn enter, his eyes instantly reddened with emotion!

He glared at the bodyguard, "Let her go!"

"Mr. Nine..."

The bodyguard argued, "We're just following orders, sir..."

"I said, let her go! Ah..."

He was still weak, and the sudden outburst made his breathing even more labored. He gasped for air, sweating profusely. "Mr. Nine! Please, calm down! We're letting her go now!"

The bodyguards looked at each other again, and one of them pulled out a knife, swiftly cutting the ropes binding Sherilyn.

The moment the restraints were removed, Sherilyn felt a rush of relief, breathing more easily. She raised her hand, massaging her arm.

Her arms had been tied behind her back for so long, they had started to numb.

"Sherilyn?"

Gilbert struggled to sit up, weak from the toxins that hadn't been fully cleared from his system. His nerves and muscles still weren't responding welt.

"Mr. Harrison!" The nurse rushed to support him, "You can't get up yet!"

"Let go! I'm not helpless!"

"Mr. Harrison..."

"Listen to the nurse."

Suddenly, Sherilyn spoke. Her voice was soft, but it was enough to calm Gilbert down.

Sherilyn rubbed her arm, slowly stepping closer, looking at him intently, "For now, you need to stay lying down."

"...Okay." Gilbert looked at her obediently, nodding, "Alright, I'll listen to you."

His gaze was filled with an unspoken plea for approval.

His eyes then fell to her arm, his frown deepening, "Did they tie you up for long? Did it hurt?"

"It didn't hurt."

Sherilyn smiled gently, shaking her head, "Just a bit numb."

"I..." Gilbert wanted to rub her arm

for her, but as he tried to lift his arm, it fell back down, powerless. He couldn't muster the strength and had to give up.

Looking at her face, he asked tenderly, "Besides tying you up, did the old man give you any trouble? Are you okay?"

Sherilyn smiled softly, her eyes shimmering, "I should be the one asking you. Are you okay?"

"Me...?"

For some reason, seeing her calm demeanor, Gilbert felt an

inexplicable sense of sorrow. She was right in front of him, yet she seemed more distant than ever.

He nervously licked his lips, "I'm fine, don't worry. Once the snake venom is cleared, I'll be okay..."

"Mm."

Sherilyn nodded, still smiling. But Gilbert grew more anxious.

Sherilyn rarely smiled at him like this...

"Thank you."

Sherilyn's dark eyes locked onto his. Though her eyes sparkled, they were devoid of tears.

She kept smiling, "For everything with Galen, and with Jenna..."