Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 1249
“Hmm?” Sherilyn looked puzzled. Everything seemed fine, so why the sudden sigh?
"It's nothing. Just talking about feeling wronged reminded me of my brother," Joyce replied quietly, tugging Sherilyn closer and
nodding toward the door. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "You know, my brother's not getting any younger- he's thirty-three,
thirty-four now. My uncle and aunt worry themselves sick. But him? Looks like he's made up his mind to stay single."
Sherilyn's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, Mr. Cooper is still single?"
That couldn't be right.
"But I remember you telling me he was married," she said, frowning as she tried to recall.
Joyce nodded. "He was. But that was in the past-they're divorced."
"Oh..." Sherilyn hesitated, startled by the news. She couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"
She'd only met Nanson a few times, but he'd left a good impression. He came from a great family, was well-educated, and
always seemed so kind—never the slightest hint of arrogance. What really stood out was how, whenever Joyce needed his help,
he never hesitated; he'd just say yes and follow through. Clearly, he cared deeply about those close to him.
A man like that, with so much going for him-how could his marriage have fallen apart?
Joyce sighed and toyed with her water glass. "My ex-sister-in-law cheated on him."
Sherilyn's jaw dropped. "Seriously?"

Joyce gave a snort. "If he weren't my own brother, I wouldn't go on about it, but honestly, Nanson's the total package-good
family, top schools, a solid career, and a great personality."
She shook her head, lips pursed. "He would do anything for her. Anything she wanted, he'd make it happen. And still, she wasn't
satisfied. Some people just don't know when enough is enough."
Sherilyn listened quietly, feeling a pang of sympathy.

"Even when they divorced, he made sure she was taken care of," Joyce went on, her tone indignant on her brother's behalf.
"She was the one who cheated, but he gave her the house and the money, left with nothing. He didn't even fight for custody of
their daughter-said it was hard enough for a single mother."
She scoffed. "Single mother? Please. The minute the divorce was final, she ran off with that guy and moved abroad!"
She sighed. "Honestly, where are you supposed to find another guy like my brother?"
Sherilyn hesitated, then asked, "Wait, they have a daughter?"
"Yeah." Joyce nodded. "She's a little older than your Jenna. After the divorce, she went overseas with my ex-sister-in-law."
She sighed again. "So my brother's just....
All's been two years r
s is work. He doesn't.
seem interested in dating again..."
"}
Before Joyce could finish, the door to the private room swung open. Nanson stepped in, having just finished his phone call

outside.
Joyce and Sherilyn exchanged a glance, wordlessly agreeing to change the subject.
"Your shawl is gorgeous," Joyce said, admiring the soft fabric.
"You like it?" Sherilyn smiled. "I made it myself. I can knit one for you too, if you want."
"Really? That'd be amazing! I won't say no!"
"Why would you? Don't be silly," Sherilyn laughed, giving Joyce's cheek a playful squeeze.
If there was anyone in the world Sherilyn could never refuse, it was Joyce. If she ever needed anything, Sherilyn would do it-
knitting a shawl was nothing. fo
"What color do you want? I can get the yarn tomorrow."

"Green?"
"Green!" they chimed in unison, and both burst out laughing.
"See, you know me best," Joyce said.
“Then it's settled—dark green. Forest green..." Sherilyn started to say, but
suddenly, she frowned and coughed twice.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Joyce asked, turning toward her in
concern. Then, her gaze shot to
Nanson. "Nanson, were you
smoking?"
"Huh?" Nanson looked taken aback, then nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, I was. But
only outside, while I was on the phone..."
He was always considerate-he'd never smoke around two women.