Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



He was no real part of the Johnson clan... Would she care?

And if she did, what was he to do about it?

In Sherilyn's eyes, he was already in the negatives. Would his lineage make her despise him even more?

...

Hospital.

After checking the room, the doctor emerged to meet the anxious faces of the Johnson brothers.

"Gentlemen, Mrs. Johnson is doing quite well, all things considered. She's in good spirits and has asked to speak with both of you."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

With the doctor gone, Francis and Gilbert exchanged a look, relieved that their grandmother was finally willing to see them.

They entered the hospital room, one after the other, and took their positions on either side of the bed.

"Grandma."

"Grandma."

Neither brother dared to say more, fearing they might upset the matriarch. They waited for her to speak.

Sylvia's expression was cold and calm as her gaze landed on Gilbert. "You can leave. You know what I mean, don't you?"

"Grandma..." Francis was shocked, turning to his brother.

Gilbert's face turned pale, his whole body tensing up, and his eyes, deep as abysses, seemed to lose focus.

His lips pressed into a thin line, and he stood motionless.

"Hmph."

With a very faint sneer, Sylvia continued, "You are not my Gilbert. I don't wish to see you anymore. But since you've called me 'grandma' for so many years, I don't want to make this ugly. Just go, let's both keep our dignity."

"Grandma! Don't be like this!"

Francis couldn't bear it any longer, his brow furrowed in disapproval. "Even if Gilbert isn't born a Johnson, he has respected you, brought joy to your days, and helped manage our estate alongside me. Do you know how much he has contributed to our family?"

"So what?"

Sylvia suddenly raised her voice, glaring at her eldest grandson.

"What does all that mean compared to what he's received from being a Johnson?"

"Grandma..."

Francis was stunned, while Gilbert

turned so pale, it seemed all the

blood Kad drained from his face, his body shivering uncontrollably, as if frozen.

"Francis!"

et

But Sylvia wasn't done yet. She accused her eldest grandson, "Are you trying to kill me? My Gilbertis gone, yet you expect me to face this imposter every day?"

"Grandma!"

Francis glanced at his brother, his brother... was breaking apart!

"Big brother."

Gilbert managed a smile at Francis, though his eyes were cold, empty, desolate.

"Grandma's not well, let's not argue with her."

"Gilbert..." Francis's gaze was filled with deep sorrow, torn and helpless.

"Grandma."

Gilbert lowered his gaze towards Sylvia, his eyes filled with remorse and reluctance, "Please don't be angry, I'll leave..." "Gilbert!"

"Big brother." Gilbert forced a smile, his dark eyes tinted with a trace of blood, "I'm leaving now. Take good care of grandma for me. I will never forget your kindness in this lifetime."

With those words, he stepped back.

He knelt on the floor, bowing deeply to Sylvia.

“Grandma, thank you for raising me. I'm sorry I can't make you happy or take care of you anymore. Please take care."

Sylvia watched silently, a huge wave of emotion welling up in her eyes. Suddenly, she closed them tightly. Waving her hand, she said, "Just go!"

"Yes."

Gilbert stood up, gave one last look to Sylvia and Francis, then turned and left.

"Gilbert!"

"Stop!"

Francis moved to follow, but Sylvia's sharp command stopped him.

Sylvia, tears streaming down her face, said, "Don't chase after him! He's just an imposter, not your brother!"