Chapter 71
Those two words–Divorce him–coming from Julian’s mouth didn’t surprise Sydney in the least. He had said the same thing years ago, back when she insisted on marrying Caleb.
Julian had always lived in a world above the clouds, unable to understand that, for someone like her, marrying Caleb had once been the best outcome she could hope for. He had no idea that divorce wasn’t some casual, throwaway decision.
If Caleb wanted to leave and she resisted, he would still find a way. Whether through tactics, pressure, or even signing the papers behind her back, he had all the means.
But her? If the Hampton family refused and Caleb didn’t agree, she would be trapped in that marriage for life.
Years in the Sterling family had taught Sydney just how powerless ordinary people were in the face of real
influence.
She didn’t bother explaining. Instead, she smiled faintly her dimples showing as she answered gently, “But I don’t want to let go of him.”
The same old lovesick act.
Julian’s face darkened at once. His voice came through gritted teeth. “Sydney, have I ever abused you?”
He didn’t wait for an answer. He stubbed out his cigarette, turned on his heel, and walked off. Even his back radiated seething anger.
Walking away when things got heated had always been the most efficient way for her and Julian to
communicate.
Just then, Marcus appeared. “I thought you’d already left.”
“They’re all gone?”
“Yeah,” he said, hesitating. “Caleb too.”
“Okay.” Sydney gave a small nod and took her bag from him. “Let’s head out too.”
Since Marcus had been drinking, she offered to drive him home.
As they neared his place, he suddenly remembered something. “Right, about that Sterling Corp, project. We’re expected at a prep meeting tomorrow.”
Sydney’s grip on the wheel tightened.
“Sterling Corp. probably forgot to inform you,” she said quietly. “I won’t be participating.”
Especially not after tonight. After embarrassing Julian like that, he likely wouldn’t want to see her again.
Marcus frowned. “That’s impossible. The final participat list came in this evening. Your name’s on it.”
Sydney blinked, caught off guard. So either Julian wasn’t personally managing the project, or he simply didn’t care enough to remove her from it.
She let out a breath. “That’s great.”
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Chapter 71
Marcus smiled. “Even better–you’re leading the Medicine team.”
“Why me?” she asked, puzzled. That position should’ve gone to Marcus.
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But he didn’t seem bothered. “Sterling Corp. assigned it. Besides, you’re more suited to it than I am. You’ve always had a better grasp of pharmaceutical R&D.”
The clinic’s best–selling in–house herbal formula had been her creation too. They’d credited Marcus with it to avoid drawing attention from the Sterling family.
Back on the road to Viridian Garden, Penelope was seething. After everything that had transpired tonight, her anger had nowhere to go. She shot a look at the silent man beside her. “See? I told you. Sydney’s not as innocent or naive as you think.”
Caleb didn’t respond. A pulse throbbed at his temple from the alcohol. Tonight’s dinner had crossed a line. He could indulge Sydney in many things, but not at the expense of his reputation. As the Hampton family’s daughter–in–law, she should’ve known how to uphold their image.
“When she gets home tonight, I’ll talk to her,” he said.
Penelope’s tone softened now that she had the reaction she wanted. “By the way, Cal… I heard from a colleague that Sydney and Marcus are working on some pharmaceutical R&D project. Could you pull some strings and get me in too?”
“Sure,” Caleb replied without hesitation. “You’ve always had a natural talent. It’s just a supporting role. I’ll call the Shepard family.”
Penelope leaned into his arm, giving him a half–hug. Her voice turned pouty. “Do you really think I’m talented? Because everyone only praises Sydney at the clinic.”
“She’s just been in the field longer than you.‘
Caleb remembered how Penelope had once been a rising star in her class, praised often by her professors.
“If we’re talking pure talent and capability, you’re still the better one,” he said.
Chapter 72
