“Mm.” Caleb paused for just a moment before replying gently but firmly, “I have a meeting tomorrow afternoon. I
might be late getting back.”
Sydney’s heart sank. “I see…”
“See what? Listen to everything I’m saying.” His voice stayed steady and kind. “If I can’t make it back in time to pick you up, could we meet at the Sterling estate instead?”
Her shoulders relaxed, and a shy smile tugged at her lips. “Of course.”
It would be fine as long as she wouldn’t have to go back alone.
“Are you coming home soon?” he asked.
She lowered her gaze. “Almost.”
Caleb smiled. “I got you a small cake and put it in the fridge. Remember to eat it.”
Sydney froze. Extravagant gifts didn’t surprise her, but a little cake just for her? That was something else.
“Thank you, Cal,” she said softly.
Sadly, the warmth faded almost at once when she checked her socials. Penelope had posted something new.
Penelope: [I casually mentioned this morning that I wanted a small cake, and he brought one home tonight!]
That little slice of cake had probably been for her.
Sydney tossed her phone onto the bed and dropped down beside it. Thoughts of tomorrow night’s family banquet
swirled in her mind.
In a rare moment of reflection, she thought of Eloise’s early kindness. After her parents died, the two months she had spent in the orphanage had been dark and punishing
At just five years old, she had already tasted loneliness. There had been a girl there, only a year older, who had been ruling the other kids and had taken an instant dislike to her. She had kept the others from playing with Sydney, shredded the little dress her late mother had bought, hidden tacks in her shoes, drawn turtles on her face with markers, and even stolen the lucky charm she had been wearing since birth
Sydney had told the teacher, but all the kids backed the girl Naturally, the teacher didn’t believe her. She’d often sit alone behind the building, crying for the parents she missed so badly. That was when Eloise appeared. If it hadn’t been
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8:40 AM Sun 24 Aug
Chapter 42
for her help–and for Julian–she might not have made it through.
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Back then, Sydney had been painfully obedient. Even foolishly so. But someone had taught her how to sharpen her mind and fight back over the next nine years.
Now, staring up at the ceiling, she blinked against the glare of the overhead light.
“Sir, we’ve arrived.”
Julian opened his eyes in the backseat. The sharp edge in his gaze faded. A flicker of patience crossed his face as he
prepared to step out.
“Don’t stay in the car too long,” Elliot warned. “Madam Norwood already spotted us.‘
Julian obliged and got out.
“Grandma,” he greeted calmly.
Agatha Norwood, nearing 80, glanced once at the empty car, then fixed her stone–cold expression on him. “You came alone again? How many times do I have to say it? Don’t bother coming if you’re not bringing a potential wife.”
Julian walked toward her, unbothered. “If it’d make you happy, I’d bring a different one home every day.”
“Try it.” Agatha raised her cane and smacked him hard. “If you dare toy with a girl’s feelings, you’ll lose me as your
grandmother.”
“All right, Grandma. As you wish.” Julian took the hit with grace and gently guided the cane aside.
Anyone watching would have been stunned. Julian–the hard–liner–showing this much patience?
He spotted a bowl on the coffee table filled with dark liquid. “What are you drinking?”
“Medicine,” Agatha replied gravely. “I’ve been waking up at night and can’t sleep. That girl from the clinic said I might
not have long if I don’t take it. She gave me a few prescriptions.”
“Which incompetent doctor told you that?” he questioned darkly.
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