Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?
Chapter 290

"Yes."

Meanwhile, Edgar was hanging out with Yates and the gang. He had just put down his phone when Yates grabbed him for a 'cross-examination'. "So, you two are patching things up, huh?" Edgar offered a bashful smile and nodded. "Yeah... sort of."

Although Sherilyn hadn't exactly said yes, Edgar felt her warming up to the idea. All he needed was to push a little harder, keep at it. Success was just around the corner. "Way to go, kid."

Derek glanced at Gilbert, who was silently drowning his sorrows in his drink, and whispered, "So, your heroic helicopter ride through the storm was all for nothing?"

Gilbert's chuckle was barely audible as he shot a look at Derek. "What's it to you, Mr. Forever Single?"

Derek was taken aback. Since when was being single a crime? Irritated, he retorted, "I'd rather be single than a lovelorn reject like you!"

"Please." Gilbert scoffed. "Lovelorn reject? Please, she's not worth my constant thought!" He downed his drink and stood up with determination.

"Where are you headed?" Derek asked.

"I'm off! Bright and early tomorrow, heading to Crestwood!"

Gilbert was serious; he had a meeting in Crestwood with a supplier.

Back at the Johnson Mansion.

As Gilbert climbed the stairs, he ran into the caregiver coming out of Francis' room.

"Mr. Gilbert."

"Is Francis still awake?"

"Mr. Francis was just reading. He'll sleep soon."

"I'll close the door. You can leave."

"Alright."

Gilbert opened the door, intending to wish Francis goodnight, but was taken aback to replace Francis leaning against the headboard, a tortoiseshell hairpin in hand... lost in thought? No, perhaps lost in memories of its owner.

Gilbert felt it; his brother couldn't let go of the hairpin's owner. Who could she be? That his brother harbored such a secret affection was beyond his knowledge.

Eventually, Gilbert left without a word, as silently as he had entered, and Francis remained unaware of his presence.

The next morning, before dawn, Gilbert left Sunhaven for Crestwood. Upon arriving in Crestwood, with no time for jet lag, he immediately contacted the supplier and dove into work. He was always robust, never feeling offbeat. But this time, stepping off the plane, something was amiss.

Charles checked his temperature. "Mr. Gilbert, you've got a fever."

"I know."

Gilbert acknowledged with a nod, aware of the heat radiating from his breath.

"Mr. Gilbert, we should go to the hospital."

"No need."

Gilbert shook his head; he couldn't afford a hospital visit now. Unresolved matters with the supplier could spell trouble.

"Some medicine will do."

"But..." Charles frowned, concerned. "Mr. Gilbert, you don't have to push yourself so hard."

"Not push myself?" Gilbert's smile was tinged with irony. "With Francis out of commission all these years, I've been the one keeping the family business going. Now that he's awake, I need to hand it back to him in perfect shape, without a single flaw."

Without Francis, he wouldn't be where he was today.

"Alright." Charles resigned, "I'll go get the medicine."

After taking the medicine, Gilbert met with the supplier that evening, embroiled in discussions about their partnership. Despite the medication, the relentless pace of work over the next two days did little to abate his fever.