Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1172

Absolutely! Here’s your text adapted as a Western-style, localized novel excerpt, using natural, easy-to-read, and colloquial English, with culture-appropriate references:

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It made no sense at all.

Gilbert’s phone buzzed. No surprise—it was Caroline.

He hesitated a second, then picked up. “Yeah? What’s up?”

“Gilbert!”

Caroline’s voice crashed through the line, urgent and panicked. “Have you ever met Rebecca White’s ex-husband?”

“What?”

Gilbert blinked, caught completely off guard. Of all the things for her to ask...

“Why are you asking me that?”

“Just answer the question! Have you or haven’t you?” Caroline’s voice was sharp, almost shrill.

Gilbert could practically feel her agitation through the phone.

He paused, frowning, then nodded even though she couldn’t see him. “Yeah, I’ve met him.”

“Knew it!”

Caroline let out a cold, almost bitter laugh. “Did you look at the photo I sent you? Is that him?”

Gilbert’s frown deepened. He was getting more confused by the second.

“You’re not saying anything,” Caroline pressed. “Is it him or not?”

Instead of answering, Gilbert shot back, “How do you even know he’s Rebecca White’s ex-husband? They’re divorced, remember? He’s her ex now. Do you know him?”

Caroline let out a short, icy chuckle. “I knew it!”

So she’d guessed right—the ‘Rebecca’ that guy talked about was Rebecca White.

Then, she just lost it. Gilbert heard her start to laugh—loud and a little unhinged—on the other end.

“Hey? Are you okay? What’s so funny?”

Caroline didn’t seem to hear him. She kept laughing, talking to herself, “Ha… That’s just perfect. Just perfect!”

“Hello? What’s perfect? Caroline?”

But the line had gone dead.

“Hello?”

Gilbert looked at his phone. She’d hung up.

He grabbed his phone and called Francis.

“Hey, Gilbert.”

“Big bro, listen—” Gilbert quickly explained everything that happened.

Then he asked, “Why would Caroline suddenly start asking about Eddy? What’s she after?”

“No idea,” Francis said, his voice low and serious. “She’s out in Nightwind City—whatever she’s planning, there’s not much she can do from there.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Gilbert nodded, but he still couldn’t shake off the worry. “Listen, keep an eye out, okay? If there’s anything I can do, just say the word.”

“I will. Don’t worry.”

After hanging up, Gilbert rubbed his forehead, hoping his brother could handle it.

Should he tell Sherilyn about all this?

Probably not.

Ever since Caroline left, Sherilyn had been so much happier. Lately, she’d been all smiles, busy planning their wedding. No way was he going to ruin that for her.

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