Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1299

"What's wrong?" Gilbert asked as soon as Francis hung up.

"It's..." Francis hesitated, glancing at Sherilyn before deciding to answer. She was right there; deliberately hiding it would only make things more awkward. "It's Caroline."

"Her?" Gilbert's brow immediately furrowed. "What now?" A wave of irritation washed over him. How long had she been at Mount Serenity? What trouble could she have caused this time?

Francis sighed. He felt the same way, but this time, it wasn't something she'd done intentionally. "Her condition isn't good."

"What's wrong with her?" Gilbert asked, and Sherilyn, equally curious, looked at Francis for an answer.

"The doctor said her legs have been in severe pain for the last two days."

What did that mean? Gilbert looked down and met Sherilyn's eyes. He blurted out, "Pain? But her legs... aren't they paralyzed?"

"Yes," Francis confirmed, his expression grave. "That's why the doctors say the situation isn't good..."

Just then, the cars pulled up. Sherilyn's was first. Candida got out and opened the door for her. "Sherilyn." She gestured for her to get in.

"Okay, coming." Sherilyn nodded and turned to the brothers. "I'll be going then." Whatever was happening with Caroline, it had nothing to do with her.

"Alright," Gilbert nodded, then told Candida, "Don't drive too fast. Be careful on the road."

"Don't worry, Mr. Nine."

Sherilyn got into the car, which then pulled away and slowly drove off. From her seat, she could see Francis and Gilbert talking in the rearview mirror. A moment later, their cars arrived, and they each got in.

The three vehicles left the Southern Hills Sanatorium at roughly the same time. At the first major fork in the road, the routes to Mount Serenity and Blue Haven both led south, while Starfall Drive was to the north. With a single turn, their paths diverged.

"Out?" Gilbert was incredulous. "Then go buy more."

"But... Ms. Gomez used to buy them. After she left..."

Gilbert's frustration boiled over. He waved a dismissive hand at the maid. "Fine! Just get out!"

"Yes, sir." The maid scurried away, taking the medicine bowl with her and closing the door.

Gilbert sat with the cloyingly sweet candy in his mouth, his face a mask of misery. He had only started eating the dried fruit because Sherilyn had bought it for him when he complained about the candy.

He picked up his phone, turning it over in his palm. After a long moment of hesitation, he finally dialed Sherilyn's number. She had told him not to bother her anymore, but this wasn't bothering her, was it? It was just a simple question.

As the phone began to ring, Gilbert held his breath, his heart pounding. On the other end, Sherilyn had just checked on Jenna and was coming out of her room when she saw his name on the screen.