Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1206

Sherilyn froze, startled by the question.

So that’s what he meant.

“No.”

She shook her head, more accurately, she simply didn’t care.

“This is my life. I make my own decisions—I don’t need anyone’s permission. Whether he likes it or not, it really doesn’t matter.”

“Sherilyn…”

Suddenly, Blake’s eyes sharpened as he frowned and shot her a warning glance, subtly shaking his head.

He was signaling her to stop talking.

“Hm?”

Sherilyn didn’t get it. Blake kept darting her looks, his eye twitching with effort.

Finally, Sherilyn caught on. She turned, glancing behind her.

Just a few steps away, Gilbert stood there. She had no idea when he’d arrived. He was tall and striking as ever, his handsome face unreadable.

“Ah—”

Blake let out an awkward laugh, quickly stepping forward to smooth things over. “Mr. Harrison, you’re here.”

Gilbert gave a slight nod, but his eyes stayed fixed on Sherilyn, not sparing Blake even a glance.

“Right, well—” Blake read the room fast. “I’ll leave you and Sherilyn to talk. I won’t intrude.”

“Alright.”

When Blake left, the tension eased, and the room quieted.

Gilbert’s gaze lingered on Sherilyn.

He’d overheard the last part of her conversation with Blake. “You want to go to that promotional event?”

Sherilyn picked up her fork, spearing a bite of food and popping it in her mouth. Her cheeks were adorably puffed as she chewed. “It’s not that I want to—it’s my job. Just like you. Do you *want* to be fighting with your siblings all the time?”

Gilbert raised an eyebrow. Sherilyn’s wit was razor-sharp.

Most of the time, he couldn’t outtalk her.

“You’re asking,” Sherilyn said, meeting his gaze, “because you want to interfere with my work?”

Sherilyn jolted, her whole body tense and her back snapping straight.

“Sherilyn?” Gilbert noticed and frowned, his concern deepening. “What’s wrong?”

“I…” Panic flickered in Sherilyn’s eyes. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm.

She forced a quick smile. “I’m just a little cold.”

“Cold?” Gilbert reacted at once, slipping off his suit jacket and holding it out to her. “Here, put this on.”

“No, that’s alright!”

Sherilyn brushed him off, stepping back.

“Sherilyn?” Gilbert’s frown deepened. What was going on with her?

“I don’t want it,” she said, feigning a pout to cover her nerves. “I spent all this time getting dressed up. If I wear your jacket, it’ll cover everything up—I’ll look ridiculous!”

Gilbert stared, half exasperated, half amused. “Honestly…”

“I’m not wearing it!” Sherilyn insisted, thrusting her plate into his hands. “Here, hold this for me. I need to run to the restroom.”

She didn’t wait for a reply—she gathered her skirt and hurried off, almost at a run.