Chapter 249


    Sherilyn led Edgar to the bustling snack alley in the backstreets of the film and TV theme park,


    which also served as a tourist attraction.


    The air was filled with the enticing aromas of various street foods, each stall vying for attention with


    its unique offerings.


    "Anything in particr you want to try?" she asked, her eyes scanning the vibrant disys.


    "Just get whatever you like," Edgar replied, more interested in thepany than the food.


    Sherilyn decided. "Let''s get some blueberry pies. With the weather getting chilly, nothing beats


    warm, freshly made pies."


    "Sounds good to me," Edgar agreed, appreciating the thought.


    Sherilyn called out to the vendor, "Two blueberry pies, please!"


    "Coming right up!" the vendor responded cheerfully.


    After paying, Sherilyn proudly held up the two steaming pies and handed one to Edgar.


    Misunderstanding her gesture, Edgar leaned in and took a big bite right from her hand, only to yelp


    at the unexpected heat.


    "Hot, hot, hot!"


    Despite the difort, he couldn''t bring himself to spit it out since Sherilyn had bought it.


    Grimacing, he covered his mouth, trying to cool the burning sensation.


    Sherilyn couldn''t help butugh at his flustered reaction, earning a mock re from Edgar, his


    words muffled, "You''reughing at me?"


    "No, of course not..." she said, trying to keep a straight face. "Is it good, though?"


    "Mhm," Edgar managed, his expression softening. "Sweet and warm."


    Just like her.


    ...


    The next evening at the tinum Pearl Club, Gilbert and Derek were already engaged in a game of


    pool when Yates Elliott walked in, with Edgar trailing behind him.


    Gilbert shot Edgar a curious look. Wasn''t he supposed to be with Sherilyn? Don''t couples usually


    have ns in the evening?


    "Gilbert, Derek," Edgar greeted them, then turned to Derek with a serious expression. "About


    Sherilyn, I owe you one. Any idea what your aunt likes? I want to prepare a thank-you gift."


    Derek was momentarily puzzled. "Sherilyn? What gift? I''m lost here."


    "The dance troupe thing," Edgar rified. "Thanks to your mother, Sherilyn''s back with her group."


    Oh?


    Derek was surprised; he hadn''t heard about this. ncing at Gilbert, he saw no reaction from him,


    just continued focus on his pool game.


    "No worries, it''s nothing," Derek assured him, a knowing smile on his lips.


    "If you insist," Edgar replied, chuckling. "But I''ll have to figure something out on my own then."


    As Edgar went to consult Yates, Derek eyed Gilbert with a teasing look. "What''s the story, Mr.


    Gilbert, ying the anonymous benefactor?"


    Gilbert didn''t bite, keeping his attention on the game. "Why bother with names?"


    "So it was you," Derek mused, intrigued. "nning to keep it a secret from Sherilyn?"


    "What''s the point in telling her?"


    "Not even for a thank you?" Derek probed, genuinely surprised.


    Gilbert scoffed lightly. "What good would that do? Is she going to leave Edgar ande running


    back to me?"


    "That''s unlikely." Derek shrugged. "At least she''d be grateful, remember you fondly?"


    Gilbert shook his head dismissively. "Gratitude? I don''t need it."


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Is that so? Derek thought, narrowing his eyes. "Then why go through all this trouble? Can''t let go?"


    Gilbert continued ying, silent.


    "You still care for her, don''t you?" Derek concluded, though he knew better than to expect an


    answer.