Her question was polite, but Sydney knew Caleb too well. Naturally, he would agree. He often made a show of asking for permission when the outcome had already been decided.
His concern felt performative–like a neighbor casually asking after dinner, “Have you eaten?” The question didn’t
matter, and neither did the answer.
Sometimes, Sydney thought that kind of superficial care was part of why their marriage lasted as long as three years.
Caleb would say things like, “Remember to take magnesium during your period.”
If she got caught in the rain, he’d say, “Take a hot shower.”
If she tripped, he’d tell her, “Be careful next time.”
But he never prepared the dissolvable magnesium tablet for her. Never brought an umbrella. Never offered to take her to
the hospital. His kindness never moved beyond words.
As expected, he agreed and reminded her, “Come home early.”
Sydney nodded. “Okay.”
Whether she actually came home or not wasn’t something he’d bother to consider.
Caleb and Penelope walked toward the gate.
Halfway there, Penelope suddenly slapped her forehead. “Cal, you go ahead. I think I left my phone in the car. I’ll go
grab it.”
“Okay,” he said, frowning slightly.
Sydney had never been forgetful. Despite her age, she was always composed and well–organized–more mature than
most. Caleb had never had to worry about her.
Just as Sydney stepped out of the compound, her phone rang. Tiffany was on her way to pick her up.
She had barely hung up when a voice called out, “Sydney!”
Penelope approached with a smug smile. “Do you know why Cal came today?”
“No,” Sydney replied flatly. She didn’t care.
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Chapter 39
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“I’m going to be Dr. Conton’s student too.” Penelope hated how calm Sydney always seemed. She was too good at pretending not to care. “You were just one of many students at Jouleston University. But I’m going to be his protégé.”
Sydney looked at her. “Didn’t Alan take only one final protégé during his years at Jouleston?”
“Of course I know that!” Penelope huffed. Everyone knew. That protégé had inherited everything from him–his full legacy, his knowledge.
They were a true genius in the field, but no one knew their identity.
Sydney smiled faintly. “Then why do you think he’ll choose you?”
“Because I’m better than you. And Cal will support me.” Penelope’s voice brimmed with certainty. “Just watch, Sydney. I’m going to surpass you–bit by bit.”
To become Alan’s protégé was to step into the field already crowned with prestige. Penelope turned away, already savoring victory. She did not bother to wait for a response.
Alan leaned back on the sofa, sipping the digestive tonic Sydney had brewed before leaving. “You want me to take your sister–in–law as my protégé?”
His eyes scanned the gifts on the coffee table: a jar of wild–harvested echinacea, a bundle of dried goldenseal, and a
pouch of organic ginseng root. It was a significant investment. Plain sincerity.
Caleb nodded. “Yes. Dr. Conton, I know you’re at retirement age and not accepting students anymore. But she’s really been through a lot.”
Alan paused, then spoke with cool authority. “If she’s had it rough, surely having her scandal–ridden brother–in–law hasn’t helped. You know how much shame you’ve dragged your wife through.”
His voice held a subtle edge. He was defending Sydney, even if only through sarcasm.
Caleb didn’t flinch. “You’ve seen the news. She said it was a misunderstanding, not the truth.”
Alan scoffed, impressed that he could lie with a straight face. “Whether it’s true or not, I see it all clearly.”
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