Whispers Turn

“Alright, take care.” 

Gilbert sat in his car, watching as she slowly walked away. A rush of hard–to–explain feelings surged in his chest, leaving him feeling uneasy and a bit thrown off. 

As the night lights began to glow, the evening in Sunhaven was just getting started. Tonight, Neon Nights Bar was about to blow its roof off! Because tonight was the finale 

of the Dance Queen showdown! 

Before the finale even began, Neon Nights Bar was already packed to the brim, forcing them to stop admitting more patrons. Every dancer tonight gave a stellar performance. And unsurprisingly, Sherilyn took the crown. Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

“S! Dance Queen!” 

“S! Dance Queen!” 

Backstage, Sherilyn could still hear the roaring cheers from the crowd. Of course, Colin expected and relished this outcome. However, what Colin didn’t anticipate was Gilbert’s absence tonight. 

“Tsk.” Colin couldn’t help but feel troubled, “Pity, Mr. Gilbert didn’t show up…” 

Sherilyn wasn’t bothered. “Colin, he hasn’t been here for days now. Maybe he just said it in passing that day.” 

“Really?” Colin was taken aback, “Can’t be, right?” He even presented evidence, “Didn’t he send you flowers and late–night snacks?” 

“But he didn’t show up tonight.” Sherilyn didn’t argue, just stated the facts, “Now, what do we do? The deal was, the winner goes out to toast.” 

Now, with Gilbert absent, it surely can’t just end like this, right? 

“But…” Colin hesitated, “Mr. Gilbert did say, he’d always top the highest bidder by half a million.” 

“Colin.” Sherilyn chuckled, questioning him, “Was it just verbal, or is there a signed agreement, or did he give you the money upfront?” 

Of course, it was just verbal. 

She said, “See, he hasn’t been here for so long, he probably forgot. Words alone don’t hold much weight, you better think it through.” 

Hearing this, Colin also saw the logic. 

Sherilyn pressed on, “How about I go out now, and make the toast?” 

“No way!” Colin stopped her. “That toast, it’s still reserved for Mr. Gilbert.” 

“Why?” Sherilyn was puzzled. “You’re not breaking your promise, it’s his own absence…” 

“Oh, my dear Sherilyn!” Colin explained, “If he truly forgets, I might just miss out on his money. But if he remembers, I’d be in big trouble!” 

Sherilyn frowned, choosing not to say more. It seems, in Sunhaven, Mr. Gilbert’s name still carried significant weight. 

“What about the crowd outside…?” 

They were expecting to see the Dance Queen toast the highest bidder. This was supposed to be tonight’s highlight! With Gilbert absent, the toast couldn’t go ahead… Would the crowd accept this? 

“No worries, I’ll explain!” Colin waved it off, unafraid, “I’ll mention Mr. Gilbert’s name, see if anyone dares to object then!” 

Alright then. 

Sherilyn had nothing more to say, everything had been laid out. 

“I’ll head to the front.” 

Colin adjusted his slick pompadour, rolled his sleeves, and went out front. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! As you all know, tonight’s highest bidder will receive a personal toast from our Ms. S!” 

“And now, I present to you, tonight’s highest bidder… Mr. Gilbert!” 

“Wow!” 

“Mr. Gilbert, huh!” 

The venue buzzed with even more excitement. After all, who doesn’t love a story about a top mogul supporting a dance queen?