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!"

As the duo left, the brothers exchanged glances.

Francis frowned. "What are you doing here at this time? Don't bother me with company matters."

He was set to officially join the 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. "Big brother, really..."

Gilbert couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry, I'm not here to bother you. Today, I noticed someone following me."

He took out his phone and showed Francis a photo.

Francis' brow furrowed upon seeing it. "Again, the Harrison family's people."

Realizing the gravity, he immediately called Sawyer, who was well-acquainted with Sunhaven's various circles.

Sawyer recognized the person in the photo right away. "This guy isn't from the Harrison family; he's a hired gun."

A hired gun meant it wasn't clear who was paying them or for what purpose.

"In that case..." Francis pondered for a moment, then said, "Let's have Sawyer follow you for a while." Gilbert objected with a smile, "No need..."

"Why act tough?"

Francis was dissatisfied with his brother's bravado. "The Johnson family has only us left; we can't afford any more incidents. Do you want to end up like me, unconscious for years?"

"Brother, that's not what I mean."

Gilbert explained, "I just think, since we don't know their purpose, it's better to wait and see. With Charles, Allen and Abel by my side, and now Sawyer... They'll have to think twice before making a move."

Francis fell silent, conceding that Gilbert had a point.

Instead of living in constant fear, it was better to clarify the opponent's intentions as soon as possible. "Alright then."

Francis nodded in agreement. "But be careful."

"Don't worry, I value my life."

Gilbert's eyebrows danced, his smile

carefree. Francis couldn't help but

smile; this demeanor bore no resemblance to the somber and fierce character of the past..O

en FindNovel

O.UMS

After Gilbert left, Francis picked up his phone and opened WhatsApp.

The last message in his chat with Caroline Bennett was from him.

"Christmas' approaching. Come home."

Sent two days ago, Caroline hadn't replied.

...

At around 7 pm, Gilbert drove towards Sunset Ridge Community.

On the way, he messaged Sherilyn.

"Just dropping by to deliver some Christmas' goodies. Nothing else."

He had left the Johnson Estate that morning not empty-handed, taking with him quite a few Christmas' treats, now lying in the trunk of his car.

"Mr. Gilbert." Charles, sitting in the front seat, suddenly turned around to alert him, "Someone's following us."

Gilbert glanced at the rearview mirror, his eyes narrowing slightly. "They're pretty close, aren't they?"