Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Reflecting back, those pearl hairpins weren't from any famous brand.

Caroline had once asked around, and professionals had told her they seemed handcrafted, by someone exceptionally skilled, no less. Who could it be?

Now, Caroline understood.

It was Rebecca! A professional designer with more than enough talent!

Then there was...

Closing her eyes, Caroline remembered a photo she had seen on Francis' phone.

At the time, her focus was all on Sherilyn, who was captured leaving the dance studio with her colleagues!

"Ha, haha."

Caroline chuckled to herself.

Back then, her eyes had landed on Sherilyn immediately!

But she overlooked the colleague standing beside her!

In fact, Francis' photo wasn't of Sherilyn, but her colleague... Rebecca!

Caroline couldn't recall exactly where in the photo Rebecca was, but she was certain it was her!

Yes, it had to be Rebecca!

That designer's pen she saw once more confirmed it!

Caroline felt like she was in a daze; the person she had been searching for had been right there all along, under her very nose! ""Francis, you've kept this... incredibly well hidden!"

...

At the hospital.

After examining Rebecca, the doctor prescribed some medication.

"You came just in time, nothing serious. Just make sure to rest."

The doctor joked, "Been staying up late for the holidays, huh? Your eyes might not work, but because they can't see, you need to rest them even more."

It was indeed due to staying up late.

Rebecca felt a bit embarrassed, "Thank you, doctor. I'll remember that."

"My fault." Sherilyn also felt apologetic as she helped her out of the examination room, "Didn't think about that. Let's head back and get some rest." "Yeah, okay."

Rebecca leaned in and whispered, "Seems Mr. Francis was in a bad mood today, Gilbert's still not awake, is he?"

Sherilyn remained silent for a moment, "Guess so."

"Ah..." Rebecca sighed lightly, "Mr. Gilbert's facing a tough time. We'll see if he can get through this."

Francis came out later than them, probably discussing surgery options with the doctor.

Afterwards, he drove them back to Sunset Ridge Community.

...

At the Johnson Mansion.

Caroline was in a daze the whole way, but as soon as she stepped into the main house, she snapped back to reality and rushed upstairs into Francis' room.

She rummaged through everything, desperate to find that pearl hairpin.

But it was nowhere to be found.

"Where could it be? Where have you hidden it?"

The more she couldn't find it, the more agitated Caroline became, turning the room upside down in her search. "What are you doing?"

Sylvia appeared at some point, staring at Caroline in astonishment.

"Grandma? Grandma..."

Caroline's eyes darted around in panic, "I, I... I'm looking for something."

"In Francis' room, for your thing?" Sylvia frowned in displeasure, scrutinizing Caroline.

"Grandma..."

Caroline opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

"What's gotten into you?"

Sylvia had been quite displeased with Caroline lately; she had been causing too much trouble, "Where's Gilbert? He went to Switzerland to fetch you, so why did you return alone?"

"Grandma..."

"Don't try to muddle through with excuses!"

Sylvia locked eyes with her, "Something's not right. You and Francis have been all secretive these past few days, one disappears when the other shows up. What are you up to? Out with it!"

Who was the old lady?

Her parents had only one daughter.

She was the heir to the Johnson family, the matriarch of her generation, her husband had married into the Johnson family.

After her son and daughter-in-law's tragic accidents, the old lady single-handedly upheld the Johnson family, bringing it to its current stature.