Chapter 198


    "Fine." Sherilyn nced at the receptionist, who promptly stepped aside, giving them space to talk


    comfortably. "Go on. spill it."


    "You''re out of the loop, aren''t you?" Caroline still wore that smug smile.


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    "Out of the loop about what?" Sherilyn had enough of Caroline’s half-told truths. "If you''re going to


    say something, out with it. What, got a frog in your throat?"


    "You..." Caroline paused, her face turning a shade of displeasure, "Crass! I know you''re smug now.


    Gilbert got you into Daphne''s dance troupe. You must think he''s fond of you, huh?"


    Sherilyn didn''t bite. "What''s your point?"


    "Hmph." Caroline scoffed, a sneer curling her lips. "Ever wondered why Gilbert, who has always


    disliked you, suddenly turned so caring?"


    That question silenced Sherilyn. It had puzzled her, too, something she couldn''t wrap her head


    around. Did Caroline know something?


    "I do know." Caroline seemed to read Sherilyn''s mind, lifting her chin in arrogance.


    "Listen up. It''s because Francis has woken up."


    What? Sherilyn stiffened, her body trembling as if refusing to believe, "You mean... for real? Fran is


    awake?"


    "That''s right." Caroline''s voice caught slightly, her eyes reddening a bit.


    "Francis has awakened."


    That was wonderful! Sherilyn clenched her fists, tears welling up her eyes. It was great news!


    Francis had always been kind to her, almost like a big brother.


    "And you..." Carolineposed herself, looking coldly at Sherilyn. "Don''t you get it? Gilbert wasn''t


    nice to you before or after, but now, he showers you with attention and makes big ns for your


    future. Why do you think that is?"


    Indeed, why?


    Sherilyn''s body jolted, staring into Caroline''s eyes. She felt enlightened! The answer seemed ready


    to leap out at her!


    "That''s right." Caroline voiced her thoughts. "Why did Sylvia insist Gilbert marry you, and why did he


    agree to it, and now, why is he suddenly so nice to you!"


    Back then...


    Sherilyn finally understood that Sylvia did it to keep Gilbert frompeting with Francis for


    Caroline, and Gilbert had agreed to let go of his feelings. At the time, Francis was awake. So, was


    Gilbert nning to use her again?


    "You''ve got it all figured out, haven''t you?" Caroline watched Sherilyn, a smug satisfaction evident,


    "Honestly, I feel sorry for you. That''s why I told you all this."


    Did Caroline say she felt sorry for Sherilyn?


    Sherilyn smiled thinly, speechless. She wasn''t foolish. It was clear that Caroline was trying to sow


    discord. But the premise of her tactic was that Sherilyn cared about Gilbert.


    "I may not like you much, but I do appreciate the warning." Sherilyn signaled towards the elevator,


    speaking in a low voice, "So, you''ve said your bit, right? I''ll be off then."


    Turning, Sherilyn waved at the receptionist waiting in the distance. "Could you, please? I''m ready to


    go."


    The receptionist replied, "Of course, right away!"


    Caroline was stunned, wondering why Sherilyn wasn''t mad. How could Sherilyn remain so


    composed?


    The doors slowly closed as the receptionist hurried over and joined Sherilyn in the elevator.


    "No, it can''t be..." Caroline shook her head, murmuring, "How could she not be angry?"


    Sherilyn must be pretending!