CHAPTER 177


    “Ugh…” Sherilyn pped a hand over her mouth, disbelief written all over her


    face.


    “What’s up?” Daphne chuckled lightly, “Can’t even muster a ‘thank you‘ to the teacher?”


    “Ah?” Sherilyn snapped out of her daze, her cheeks flushing red, “Thank you, Ms. Hansen!”


    “Mm.” Daphne continued to eye her, then smiled, “You’ve got a great figure, but…”


    She pointed toward Sherilyn’s waist, “Your waist could be a tad firmer. And maybe lose an inch.


    Watch what you eat. Don’t indulge too much.”


    “Yes!” Sherilyn’s eyes brimmed with tears as she nodded, smiling, “Got it, Ms.


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


    Hansen.


    Then, Daphne turned to Gilbert. When her best friend first asked for the favor, Daphne she was


    resistant and even felt a bit negative towards Gilbert.


    But after meeting Sherilyn, her feelings towards them softened. “Mr. Johnson, I’ve agreed to take


    her under my wing. Is there anything else you’d like to


    discuss?”


    “Where would I even begin?” Gilbert wore a rare, warm smile, “I’m entrusting Sherilyn to you, Ms.


    Hansen. I’m grateful for all you’re doing. If she causes any trouble, please be patient with her.”


    Oh? Daphne raised an eyebrow, sensing a special connection between them. After all, it was not


    every day one got someone of Mr. Gilbert’s stature asking for a favor.


    She wondered why Sherilyn, with such a connection, had previously faced tough times at


    Crestwood.


    Daphne didn’t pry further and nodded. “Sure.”


    After leaving the dance studio, Sherilyn was silent the entire way.


    08:41


    Gilbert nced down at her. Sherilyn looked like a hedgehog that had retracted its spines.


    No longer defensive, just remarkably tame.


    “Why so quiet?” Gilbert couldn’t help but tease, “Not giving me the cold shoulder now? You were all


    mad on the way here.”


    Sherilyn kept her head down, silent.


    “What’s wrong?” Gilbert sensed something was off and reached out to her.


    “Don’t touch me…” Sherilyn turned her face away, dodging his hand.


    Gilbert didn’t have the luxury to dwell on it, for Sherilyn’s voice sounded like she was crying.


    Gilbert asked carefully, “You’re… crying?”


    Sherilyn didn’t respond but turned her back to him. From his angle, he could see her slender


    shoulders trembling slightly.


    “Are you crying?” Gilbert took a few steps closer, resting a hand on her shoulder, forcing her to face


    him. “Let me see…”


    “See what?” Sherilyn suddenly looked up, her eyes swollen and teary, ring


    at him.


    “What are you looking at? Haven’t you ever seen someone cry before?”


    Defiantly, she raised her face toward him, “You like it that much? Then have a good look!”


    Gilbert was stunned by her outburst and withdrew his hand. “No, I’m not looking.”


    Muttering an exnation, “I didn’t mean any harm. I was just concerned about you…”


    “Concerned?” Sherilyn’s eyes were red, her expression a mix of about to cry and trying tough.


    “You’re something, you know? Why did you arrange this for me?”


    “This…” Gilbert was surprised, wondering, “Did I make a mistake? You don’t want to dance with Ms.


    Hansen?”


    08:41


    Sherilyn just stared at him wordlessly, tears not ceasing.


    When seeing her like this, Gilbert’s resolve wavered. “You don’t like it?”


    It seemed she didn’t.


    “I didn’t know it would upset you this much…” Gilbert said instantly, “Then I’ll talk to Ms. Hansen


    right now. We don’t have to stay here…”


    He turned to leave.


    “Gilbert!” But Sherilyn stopped him.


    “Hmm?” Gilbert turned back, confused. “What’s the matter? What should I do?”