Whispers Turn

“Hmm.“Faced with his threat, Sherilyn simply smiled faintly. 

With a calm and assured tone, she said, “No, you won’t.” 

“Sherilyn!” 

“Mr. Gilbert.” 

Ignoring his rising fury about to erupt, Sherilyn continued clearly, “How much do you care about your family’s reputation? Today, if you walk out of here, at most you’ll be seen as a man jealous over a cabaret dancer, no big deal! But-” 

Her tone shifted, laced with a hint of mockery. 

“If you turn the Neon Nights Bar upside down, I’ll reveal my identity! To you, I might be nothing, but unfortunately, I still bear Mrs. Johnson’s title.” 

She laughed, continuing, “By then, the whole of Sunhaven will be buzzing–Gilbert’s wife, a notorious dancer of the Neon Nights Bar!” 

Gilbert was taken aback, his handsome face instantly wrapped in a chill, mixing complexly with anger. 

“Ha.” 

Sherilyn laughed again. “Mr. Gilbert, such an embarrassing matter, you wouldn’t allow it to happen, would you?” 

The air turned deathly silent. 

Gilbert had to admit, her words hit right at his weak spot! He couldn’t risk the entire Johnson family’s name, turning it into a laughing stock all over Sunhaven! 

“Fine, very well!” 

Gilbert narrowed his eyes, a cold sneer playing on his lips. “Sherilyn, you truly are an ungrateful creature! My family took you in, and now, you use my family’s reputation to 

threaten me?” 

“I dare not.” Sherilyn looked at his cold, stern face. “As long as you leave me be, nothing will happen. I’ll soon… no longer be a Johnson, why bother?” 

Their eyes met and held, a silent standoff between them. 

Knock, knock. 

Someone gently tapped on the door. 

“Who is it?” Gilbert growled irritably. 

10:26 

“Mr. Gilbert.” Colin timidly poked half his head in, “I was wondering if you needed anything?” 

It was because they had been alone for quite some time. After Fred’s affair, Colin was quite worried Sherilyn would be at a disadvantage. 

“Nothing! Get lost… 

“Wait.” Gilbert had just spoken when Sherilyn interrupted him. 

“What are you doing?” Gilbert frowned, narrowing his eyes at her. 

“Mr. Gilbert.” 

In front of others, Sherilyn acted as if she didn’t know him, “Have Colin fetch some wine. You’re the guest of honor tonight, Sherilyn… should toast to you.” 

Gilbert was stunned. Even at this point, she remembered such a thing? She really treated him as her guest! If she wanted to degrade herself, why should he stop her? 

Gritting his teeth, he nodded, “Alright.” 

“Colin.” 

Sherilyn then turned to Colin by the door, “Would you mind arranging it?” 

“Ah, right away! I’m on it!” 

Colin hurried off and soon returned. Behind him, a waiter followed, carrying a tray with bottles and glasses. 

“Mr. Gilbert, everything is ready.” 

Then, turning to Sherilyn, he signaled her. 

Sherilyn moved forward, picked up the bottle, and filled the glasses. With both hands, she offered one to Gilbert. 

“Mr. Gilbert, Sherilyn appreciates everything you’ve done for her. Here’s to you. Mr. Gilbert, please-” 

Gilbert looked down, from Sherilyn to the glass in her hand. 

Hmph. 

With a slight smile, he took the glass, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. 

1972 Chianti… fine wine.” 

“Indeed.” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.