Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Excitedly pulling Galen along, Jenna exclaimed, "Uncle, once I'm here, let's get my doll dressed up and do her hair!" "Of course," Galen replied with a cheerful nod, embodying patience.

It was the first time the uncle and niece had met, and they hit it off immediately, leaving Sherilyn to 'take the back seat.' With a chuckle, Sherilyn said, "Jenna, have fun with your uncle. Mommy's going to help Sophia with dinner."

"Yay!" "Yay!"

Both Jenna and Galen echoed in unison, making Sherilyn shake her head with a smile as she turned to head to the kitchen.

That night, Jenna was glued to Galen. Whether it was during dinner, watching cartoons, or storytelling, she wanted his company.

Sherilyn understood that, in the absence of a father, Jenna naturally gravitated toward any male relative who showed up in her life. Her fondness for Gilbert had been part of that dynamic, beyond their blood relation. Only after Jenna was coaxed into sleep could Galen finally take a breather.

Sherilyn apologized, "I'm sorry, I just wanted you to meet and have dinner, but it dragged on. Kids can be so clingy."

"Not at all," Galen didn't mind in the slightest. "I actually love kids, and Jenna is my niece, and so adorable at that. I'll come to visit more often, as long as you don't get sick of me." "Never."

Sherilyn felt warmth in her heart. "It's getting late, let me walk you out."

"No need, I'm not a kid. I can find my way."

"Alright then, take care."

"Will do! Goodnight!"

The next day, as soon as Sherilyn arrived at the set, Blake came looking for her, "Sherilyn, Mr. Marshall needs to see you. Come with me." "Sure."

Dropping her bag, she promptly followed Blake to see Caleb Marshall.

"Sherilyn, have a seat," Caleb gestured towards a chair. "Your role in this film is wrapping up. What are your plans afterward?"

Sherilyn paused, shaking her head, "I hadn't really thought about it."

Taking part in this film had been more of a lark, a favor to the directors, without much thought for the future.

"Well," Caleb guessed as much. "I have a web series coming up. Interested?"

"Me?" Sherilyn was taken aback. "But, I don't have much experience."

"Experience comes with time," Caleb disagreed, "Every actor brings their own unique traits. Some rely on acting skills, others on natural talent or a certain charisma. You have that charisma..."

Sherilyn knew he meant well and had her interests at heart. Before the current project even ended, he was already offering her a new opportunity. Hesitantly, she nodded, "Then, I'll go with Mr. Marshall's plans."

"That's the spirit!" Caleb and Blake

exchanged a pleased look. "With your word, I can relax. There's a gathering in a few days. I'll introduce you to the production team.

"Thank you, Mr. Marshall, and Director Blake."

QUMS

...

As Gilbert's health gradually improved, the day of his discharge arrived, and Francis came to pick him up.

"Made up your mind yet? When do you plan to return to the office?"

"Let's see," Gilbert reclined lazily against the seat, "I'm still feeling weak."

Francis fell silent. He knew his brother wasn't physically weak; he just wasn't willing.

"Alright," Francis nodded. "Then take some more time off."

"Mmm..." Gilbert's response was noncommittal. He didn't have the heart to tell his brother directly that he had no plans to return to the Johnson Group. After dropping him off at Golden Oak Manor, Francis left.

Gilbert stood at the gate, watching his brother's car drive away until he turned to walk inside.

As he closed the gate, he noticed several moving trucks-the kind used for home relocations-making their way down the road and stopping next to his house.

Gilbert raised an eyebrow, curious. Were they about to get new neighbors?