Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Sherilyn was pacing back and forth in her living room before she finally mustered up the courage to call Francis. She couldn't just leave Rebecca in the lurch. As soon as the call connected, Francis' voice came through, tired and deep. "Hey, Sherilyn."

"Hey, big bro," Sherilyn replied, wondering if Gilbert was still out cold. Without diving into that, she jumped straight into explaining Rebecca's situation. "...and that's the gist of it. I was thinking of taking her to see a doctor, but we need an appointment."

After laying it all out, she held her breath, waiting anxiously for his response.

"I got it," Francis replied coolly. "I'll be there soon."

Sherilyn blinked in surprise. "Okay, thanks, big bro."

Hanging up, she was filled with questions. Francis coming over himself? She had only hoped he might pull some strings for an appointment.

But Francis showing up was definitely a plus. His presence could carry more weight with the doctor.

Sherilyn relayed the news to Rebecca, "Big bro will come by soon to take you to the doctor."

Rebecca looked stunned and a bit nervous. "Really? But isn't he supposed to be with Mr. Gilbert at the hospital?"

Sherilyn found it odd too. Francis was usually generous, but his eagerness to help Rebecca seemed a bit excessive.

...

Francis arrived at Sunset Ridge Community parking his car outside the apartment building. At the same time, Caroline also showed up, seeking Sherilyn. She had gotten the address from an agent who had dug from the TV station records.

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Stepping out of a taxi, Caroline took a deep breath and walked into the community. With Gilbert still unresponsive after three days, she was desperate enough to try anything. Maybe Sherilyn could help.

QUMS

Caroline recognized Francis' car

immediately. The black Cayenne et

was unmistakable. Seeing him there too solidified her belief that they were all in this for Gilbert.

As she approached, the apartment door opened, and out came Sherilyn, supporting Rebecca.

Caroline froze in place. The girl with Sherilyn was Rebecca? The same Rebecca who designed her wedding dress?

Realization dawned on Caroline that Rebecca wasn't just a friend of Sherilyn but seemed to be in some sort of trouble herself. And her appearance was off. "Hey, big bro," Sherilyn greeted Francis as they approached the car.

Francis nodded, opening the car doors for them.

Rebecca blinked, amused by the brief exchange.

"Take it slow, Rebecca," Sherilyn said, helping her into the car before Francis got into the driver's seat and they drove off.

Caroline stood bewildered, trying to piece together what was happening. Francis was helping them, but where were they going?

She knew Francis saw Sherilyn more like a sister, and Sherilyn wasn't the owner of the mysterious pearl hairpin... Then it hit her, the professional designer's pen! Rebecca was studying design!