Whispers Turn

“Move aside.” 

The man’s voice was icy, quiet but unmistakable, commanding attention without effort. 

Among the crowd, some recognized him immediately. 

“Mr. Gilbert?” 

“It’s Mr. Gilbert!” 

The noisy crowd parted like the Red Sea, making way for him. 

Gilbert, with his long strides, moved swiftly through the crowd and reached the scene in no time. His eyes lifted slightly at the corners, a smirk playing on his lips. 

“What’s all this about then?” 

He spoke with a casual tone, as though discussing the pleasant weather of the day. 

“Uh, Mr. Gilbert…” Fred was visibly shaken. 

Mr. Gilbert actually showed up? Was Colin not bluffing after all? Was everything he said 

true? 

It’s over! 

Gilbert didn’t even glance his way, as if he hadn’t heard him speak at all. 

Instead, his gaze fell on the girl Fred was gripping. She was still in her performance attire, wearing a mask, her long hair completely disheveled, sitting on the ground in a sorry 

state. 

“Huh.” 

Gilbert let out a derisive snort, not bothering to waste words on Fred. Suddenly, he raised his arm, and with a swift motion… 

*Smack!* 

The sound echoed sharply. 

Before anyone could react, Fred was sent flying like a rag doll, crashing hard against the wall. 

“Oof!” Fred screamed as his back hit the wall. 

That wasn’t the end of it. Blood trickled from his mouth as he instinctively covered the cheek where he’d been hit. 

“Ptul…” 

Fred spat out, his saliva mixed with blood, and there, among the mess, was a tooth! He had been slapped so hard by Gilbert that a tooth came flying out! 

Clearly, Gilbert hadn’t held back. 

“Uh, Mr. Gilbert.” 

Ignoring the pain, Fred was now sure that this girl was definitely someone Mr. Gilbert was 

intol 

For years, Mr. Gilbert hadn’t shown interest in any woman this was the first time he’d taken such drastic action for one. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know she was… someone to you…” 

“Get lost!” 

Gilbert had no time for his babbling, his focus solely on the girl curled up on the ground, still trembling. 

“Ah, right…” 

By now, Fred’s drunken haze had cleared, and he scrambled out without a second thought for his dignity. 

Gilbert took a couple of steps closer, stopping in front of Sherilyn, extending his hand. 

“It’s okay now, get up.” 

Sherilyn seemed not to hear, unresponsive. 

“Mr. Gilbert!” 

Finally, Colin arrived with the security team, but to his surprise, the situation was already under control. 

He looked utterly aggrieved. “You’re finally here.” 

He then complained bitterly, “You saw what happened, right? That Mr. Miller, accusing me of using your name to trick him. As if I would dare without your say–so.” Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Chattering nonstop, Gilbert grew impatient. 

Bending down, he squatted in front of Sherilyn. “Are you alright now?… Let me help you up.” 

As he reached for her shoulder… 

“Ah!” Suddenly, Sherilyn reacted – albeit with a sharp rejection! 

“Ah…” Startled, Colin let out a yelp. 

“What are you screaming for?” Gilbert glared at him, annoyed. “Quiet!” 

2/3 

10:25 

“Right.” Colin quickly nodded, whispering, “She must’ve been scared by Mr. Miller!” 

Really? But Gilbert felt something was off. 

This scene… it felt eerily familiar…. 

As if she reminded him of someone else! 

Abruptly, he turned to Colin, “Everyone, out.” 

“Everyone?” Colin asked uncertainly. 

Gilbert didn’t respond, just shot him a look that was icy and exasperated.