CHAPTER 172


    Derek quipped, “Well, of course, Ms. Hansen did mention it all depends on the performance. She


    won’t hesitate to turn them away if it’s not up to par.”


    “No worries.” Gilbert couldn’t help but smirk at the thought of Sherilyn’s performances at the Neon


    Nights Bar. Calling her sensational would be an understatement. “She’s got talent to spare.”


    “Huh?” Derek was stunned, spotting a look of admiration on Gilbert’s face for the first time.


    Derek was curious. “Who’s this? Whichdy has caught your fancy?”


    Gilbert shot him a look. “Some things are better left unsaid, buddy!”


    It wasn’t the right time yet.


    “But…” Derek was naturally suspicious, “Is it that girl from the Neon Nights


    Bar?”


    After all, she seemed the only one who had captured Gilbert’s interest over the


    years.


    Gilbert red, “I told you to drop it!”


    “Ha!” Derek got the hint. “I knew it!”


    He burst intoughter. “Come on, what’s there to hide? If it’s her, there’s no question. Her dancing is


    out of this world…”


    Gilbert shot Derek a warning look. “Enjoying the view, were you?”


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Was Gilbert jealous? It made sense. A woman who caught Mr. Gilbert’s eye wasn’t for other men’s


    gazes.


    “No, no, no!” Derek quickly changed the subject. “It’s great that she’s getting a shot with Ms.


    Hansen. That’s the real deal.”


    Of course. Gilbert mused that Sherilyn didn’t know anything. Sherilyn couldn’t spend her life


    dancing in a ce like Neon Nights Bar. Sherilyn couldn’t waste her time in such a ce, even if


    she wanted to keep dancing. She was young and naive, and Gilbert had to think for her.


    After parting ways, Gilbert returned to his office, surprised to find Caroline


    13:56


    waiting for him. “Caroline, what brings you here?”


    “Am I not wee here?” Caroline chuckled as she stood up. “I finished early today and thought I’d


    come by to pick you up. We can go home together and have dinner with Sylvia. I’ve been too busy


    lately and haven’t spent quality


    time with her. She must be upset.”


    “Why would she be?” Gilbert approached his desk, putting away some files and shutting down his


    computer. “I’m ready, we can go.”


    “Okay.” Caroline stepped closer and looped her arm through his. “Let’s go.”


    Gilbert was momentarily stunned, ncing down at their arms intertwined.


    “What’s wrong?” Caroline asked, puzzled, touching her face, “Is my makeup smudged?”


    Gilbert diverted his gaze from her arm, shaking his head. “No, it’s nothing. Let’s go.”


    After a fruitless job search the previous day, Sherilyn had no choice but to continue today. Her


    interview was with a dance studio. With no luck finding work and high–paying gigs like the ones at


    Neon Nights Bar being scarce, she had to seize every opportunity avable.


    Her phone rang on the way. It was Gilbert.


    “Hello?” Sherilyn hesitated before answering.


    “You sound off,” Gilbert immediately noticed, “Feeling unwell?”


    “No…” Sherilyn wasn’t in the mood to exin, “What do you want?”


    “Can’t I call without a reason?” But today, Gilbert had a specific purpose, “Meet me at 6 p.m., wait


    for me at home.”


    Sherilyn was stunned, “Why should I…”


    Before she could finish, Gilbert interrupted, “It’s settled then. I’m busy with work. Gotta go.”


    With that, he hung up.