Whispers Turn

“Cheers, Mr. Gilbert! Cheers!” 

The rowdy shouts died down to silence when the crowd realized that neither of the night’s 

big stars had shown up. 

“Where’s Mr. Gilbert?” 

“Nowhere to be seen, huh?” 

Soon, it dawned on everyone that Gilbert hadn’t shown up at all. 

“Oh, come on.” Someone jeered, stirring the pot.. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Colin, how can Mr. Gilbert be the main attraction if he hasn’t even shown his face?” 

“Are you pulling a fast one on us?” 

“No, no, you’ve got it all wrong.” Colin waved his hands, trying to calm the crowd. “Mr. Gilbert might not be here in person, but he did leave a message.” 

But he couldn’t spill the beans on exactly what Gilbert had said. 

After all, revealing that a top bet of half a million had been placed in advance could offend the guests, despite the Johnson family’s influence. And the crowd there wasn’t one to be easily brushed off. 

“What message?” Clearly, this explanation wasn’t convincing anyone. 

“Mr. Gilbert can place bets without being here?” 

“Hey, I thought the rule at Neon Nights Bar was you have to be present to count!” 

That comment reminded everyone. 

“Exactly!” 

The crowd got stirred up, especially Fred Miller, who thought he was tonight’s top patron after spending generously on Sherilyn. 

He had been content until Colin mentioned Mr. Gilbert. 

“Colin.” Fred stepped forward, pointing at Colin. “Since everyone’s saying it, shouldn’t you follow the rules?” 

“Uh…” 

Sweat beaded on Colin’s forehead. He hadn’t expected invoking Mr. Gilbert’s name would backfire. 

Meanwhile, Gilbert had finished his workday and was driving back to Golden Oak Manor. 

1/2 

10-25 

Stopping at a light, something crossed his mind. 

“David.” 

“Yes, Mr. Gilbert.” 

Gilbert got out of the car, saying, “I’ve got something to take care of. Take a cab home.” 

“What?” David was confused, “Where are you going? I can drive you.” 

“No need.” 

Gilbert refused, stepping into the driver’s seat and driving off, leaving David puzzled as the car turned not towards Golden Oak–Manor, but away from it. 

“Where’s Mr. Gilbert off to?” 

Gilbert’s destination was Neon Nights Bar. 

Due to Sherilyn, he hadn’t visited in days. Tonight, with both time and inclination, he decided to drop by. 

Neon Nights Bar was in an uproar…. 

“Mr. Miller, you can’t go back there! It’s for staff only!” 

“Fuck off!” 

Fred, feeling slighted and humiliated for not getting what he believed he was entitled to, was not about to let it go. 

“Colin!” 

Having barged into the back, Fred pointed at Colin. 

“I’ve spent a fortune on her these past few weeks. I demand an explanation! Besides…” 

He gestured towards the onlookers. 

“Ask them, is my request fair?” 

“Fair!” 

“Absolutely fair!” 

Everyone loved a bit of drama. 

“Mr. Miller, I’m telling the truth. Mr. Gilbert…” 

“Don’t try to scare me with Mr. Gilbert!”