The young woman had overheard Sydney and Agatha’s conversation last time and lowered her voice. “Yeah. But I don’t think she wants too many people to know. I only found out by accident. Don’t tell anyone else, okay?”
“Of course.” Penelope patted her shoulder and stood up eagerly. “I’m full. You girls take your time.”
The moment she stepped out of the cafeteria, she dialed Caleb, her eyes shining. “Cal! I just heard something and wasn’t sure if I should tell you. But then figured I shouldn’t keep it from you.”
Caleb was in a meeting.
“What is it?” His voice was calm and steady.
“I think Sydney and Marcus might be more than just friends,” Penelope said.
Caleb’s brows twitched, and he was about to reply when she added, “I overheard her telling people at the clinic that she’s already divorced. Everyone there knows about it. I was shocked when I heard that as well.”
Caleb shot up from his seat and walked out of the conference room. “What did you just say?”
-Penelope’s voice turned cautious. “Cal, she might’ve cheated on you.”
Meanwhile, the supposedly unfaithful Sydney was driving toward the Hampton residence.
Early that morning, Adeline had called, asking her to come by to formalize the terms they had agreed on- signing paperwork and all.
Sydney had no objections. She had taken the houses and the money. Signing a contract would not be a problem.
After lunch, she grabbed her bag and left the clinic.
The Hampton residence was especially quiet at this hou Dorothy often napped in the afternoon, and her sleep was light. The staff moved with hushed steps, careful not to disturb her.
Sydney was led straight to a room by the butler. Thanks to the outrageous demands Sydney had made last time, Adeline’s demeanor was noticeably colder.
She slid the prepared agreement toward Sydney. “Sign it”
Sydney turned to the first page, her fingers gliding over the smooth paper. She got straight to the point. ” When will the divorce papers be ready?”
“So eager, are you?” Adeline stared at her as if seeing he clearly for the first time. “Did we ever mistreat you after you married into our family, Sydney? Think about it. Did the Hampton family ever wrong you?”
That line felt familiar. It took Sydney a moment, then she remembered it was exactly what Eloise had said last time at the Sterling estate.
Everyone always stood tall and righteous, questioning her as if she owed them something.
But what about her? Had she wronged anyone?
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Chapter 67
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Still, she refused to engage in a back–and–forth debate about fairness. She said flatly, without emotion, ” Mrs. Hampton, dragging out the divorce doesn’t affect me. But it might delay your search for Caleb’s next wife. What decent family would let their daughter date a married man?”
That hit its mark.
Adeline’s expression softened slightly. “Don’t worry. I want that certificate finalized more than you do. At the latest, around Mom’s 80th birthday.”
‘So, in about four days.‘
Sydney didn’t ask any more questions. Her finger landed on a specific clause in the contract.
“I won’t sign if this part isn’t changed,” Sydney said.
The clause read: [Before obtaining Adeline Mayer’s permission, Sydney Wilson is not allowed to tell Caleb Hampton about the divorce.]
That part was fine. But the second half said: [If Caleb Hampton finds out about the divorce beforehand, it will count as a breach of contract on Sydney Wilson’s part, with a penalty of 7 million dollars.]
Before Adeline could erupt, Sydney began calmly.
Chapter 68
+15 BONUS
Chapter 68
