Chapter 31
As Eliana spoke, her gaze briefly passed over Marcus. She had always thought the two were well-
matched. One was gentle, and the other was warm. They made a perfect pair.
Sydney sensed a sharp, mocking gaze on her. She ignored it, lifted her head with a smile, and said,
“Eliana, Alan misunderstood. I explained it to him on the way over. I’m not planning to get divorced.”
The moment she spoke, her eyes met a pair of dark, unreadable ones. Julian’s gaze was deep and clearly
scrutinizing. She refused to admit the divorce in front of him.
Surprised, Eliana scolded her husband, “This is a big deal! Why didn’t you tell me? I even ordered a
divorce cake.”
Alan cleared his throat. “Didn’t have the time.”
He didn’t press further and played along. “We can still eat the cake, divorced or not. The important thing is that she’s happy, right?”
“Fair enough,” Eliana agreed.
Sydney raised her glass and took a polite sip. “Thank you, Eliana.”
Setting it down, the man across from her spoke slowly, his voice low and cold. “Impressive. You’ve learned to bite your tongue.”
Sydney was not surprised. When she married, Julian had disapproved. But desperate to escape the
Sterling family, she had ignored all warnings. Back then, she had truly believed Caleb was the right
choice.
Julian had objected, but she had married Caleb anyway.
Now everyone knew she had been completely cheated on.
Naturally, Julian would mock her. The statement she had posted online could fool the public, but not those close to her. It was obvious anyone could tell her and Penelope apart.
“You taught me well,” Sydney shot back.
She almost stood to leave but stopped herself, not wanting to waste Eliana’s carefully prepared dinner.
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Chapter 31
Marcus looked surprised. “You two know each other?”
“Not really,” Sydney replied.
“We’re more than acquainted,” Julian said at the same time.
The atmosphere froze.
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Julian tapped his long, slender fingers lazily on his wine glass stem as he glanced sideways at Marcus.
“I’m her brother.”
Something inside Sydney’s chest ignited. She sucked in a breath, struggling to calm the tightness in her lungs. Her eyes burned.
She was about to speak when Alan interrupted, “Marc, looks like you’re done here. Take Syd home.”
“Alan, Eliana,” Sydney said, glancing apologetically at Eliana.
Eliana patted her back gently. “Be good, it’s okay. Just listen to your mentor.”
Marcus, clearly surprised by her connection to Julian, knew better than to pry. He stood and led her out.
“Let’s go. I’ll drive you home.”
“Thanks, Marc.”
Julian’s gaze darkened at the nickname. His brow twitched slightly, as if irritated.
Once they left, Alan turned to Julian, the warmth in his expression gone. “If you hadn’t brought Sydney to me all those years ago and given me such a good student, you wouldn’t have made it past my front door today.
“I know you probably had your reasons. But have you thought about what she went through? A young
girl, bruised and on blood circulation meds–that’s what your family put her through.”
Eliana had gone upstairs to give them privacy.
Julian’s hand froze. He glanced out the window as the car faded into the distance, then slowly withdrew
his gaze.
The tight line of his jaw relaxed at last as he spoke in a cold, detached tone. “Mr. Conton, I’m here today to discuss a collaboration. Beyond that, I’m not interested.”
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Chapter 31
The car merged into traffic, and the bustle of downtown gradually faded into the thick night.
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