Chapter 88
Sydney could not help but wonder about Adeline’s sudden reluctance.
Adeline sighed softly and smiled. “What if I give you the divorce papers today, and you announce the divorce publicly? Then what will I do?”
Sydney replied calmly, “We signed a contract. That should be enough.”
Adeline’s tone turned cold. “A contract only binds honorable people.”
She was implying Sydney could not be trusted.
Sydney did not lose her temper. She simply asked, “Then when will you give them to me?”
“Only when Caleb is ready to remarry-”
“Which won’t happen,” Sydney interrupted, locking eyes with her ex–mother–in–law. “I agreed to keep it secret until you found someone suitable. But whether Caleb is willing or not, it is not something I can rely on.”
She refused to wait indefinitely.
Adeline bristled at how casually Sydney spoke of her son as if he were disposable. After a pause, she said sharply, “One month. After the festival. Fair enough?”
Caleb likely cared little for Sydney anyway. Adeline could soon find several eligible young women for him. Maybe he would take a fancy to someone new.
Sydney lowered her eyes. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded. “Alright.”
Still seeking confirmation, she left the study and forwarded the photo of the divorce papers Adeline had sent yesterday to Tiffany.
Sydney: [Tiff, can you check if these divorce papers are real?]
Tiffany replied instantly.
Tiffany: [WTF?! You actually got the divorce papers?!]
Sydney: [Do you think they could be forged?]
Tiffany answered cautiously.
Tiffany: [There’s about a 10% chance they’re fake.]
Sydney refused to risk everything on that 10%.
Meanwhile, the Hampton family gathered on the second floor to celebrate Dorothy’s birthday. Even Penelope was there.
Sydney stepped forward and heard Dorothy’s cheerful call. “Sydney, dear, I’ve been waiting for you!”
“I was talking with Mom for a moment,” Sydney answered warmly.
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Chapter 88
+15 BONUS
She offered the gift she had prepared with polite grace.Grandma, I wish you long life and good health.”
“Ah, such a sweet girl!” Dorothy said, gently patting her hand. “Come sit by Caleb.”
A seat beside Caleb was open. Sydney lowered her gaze and moved quietly toward it.
Just before she sat, Penelope spoke up. “Grandma, Timmy has been eager to celebrate with you. But he was injured a few days ago and is still in the hospital.”
“Timmy got injured?” Dorothy frowned. “What happened?”
Despite the tension at home, Timothy was their only grandson, and their concern was clear.
Caleb immediately looked up, signaling Penelope to stop
Dorothy was kind but ruled the family firmly. With this issue emerging, Sydney knew she would face trouble.
Penelope hesitated, then said, “Maybe you should ask Sydney…”
Dorothy frowned. “Ask Sydney? What does this have to do with her?”
Penelope’s voice cracked as she spoke urgently. “Grandma, please stop asking me.”
Dorothy glared and slammed the table. “Why are you acting so strange? Just tell us now!”
Finally, Penelope’s voice trembled with reluctant certainty. “Sydney pushed Timmy down the stairs. He’s been hospitalized for days. His head wound hasn’t healed.”
