“It’s fine.” Sydney glanced at the driver in the rearview mirror and noticed his pale face. “I don’t mind the cold once in a while, but you don’t look well. You probably have a weak heart. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
The cab driver blinked in surprise. “How do you know that?”
Before she could answer, he sighed, his expression empty. “It runs in the family. My daughter inherited it. I’m trying to
save up for her surgery.‘
Earlier, Sydney had seen the photo on his phone’s lock screen. It was a delicate little girl with big eyes, maybe six or
seven, her frailty plain even in the picture.
Her heart stirred. “How much more do you need?”
“Just a few thousand. Once I hit that, the doctor can schedule the operation.” He tried to smile, but it didn’t reach his
eyes.
A few thousand more. In their currency, that kind of money would take time. By then, the girl’s condition might worsen.
Sydney lowered her gaze and said nothing.
She planned to wait for Caleb before going in. A few hundred meters from the Sterling estate, she scanned the payment
code and stepped out.
Snow drifted down in soft, heavy flakes.
Sydney checked the time and called him. “Cal, how long until you get here? I’m waiting in a pavilion near the gate.”
He hesitated. “There’s a meeting I have to wrap up. If I can’t make it, just head in without me. I’ll come later, okay?”
She bit back a sigh. Her voice came out with a faint nasal edge. “Alright. Around what time?”
“By 7:30 for sure.”
“Okay. I’ll wait.”
After the call, disappointment settled over her. She didn’t linger. It was clear he wouldn’t show.
What had she been thinking? That Caleb’s faint trace of guilt could carry her through the Sterling household?
Back when Lucas was still alive, Caleb would only accompany her if he had formal business with the family.
Now that Penelope was single again, he had other priorities. That leftover piece of cake he’d brought? It was nothing
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8:40 AM Sun 24 Aug
Chapter 44
more than a gesture. Spare dessert, spare time, spare attention.
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As she neared the estate’s grand gate, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. Her smile faded. She declined the
call and typed out a message.
Sydney: [Just think of it as giving me one last chance to be a good person. Go see your daughter in peace.]
“Ms. Wilson,” a voice called.
Jason approached and frowned at her thin layer of clothing. “Why not wear something warmer? If you catch a cold,
Madam Sterling might scold us.”
She gave him a polite smile. “Grandma is kind. She wouldn’t blame you.‘
Inside, the banquet hall buzzed. Her two aunts–rarely home together–had arrived with their families. Standing near
the edge of the room, Sydney kept her posture composed and scanned the scene. Then she quietly exhaled.
No one acknowledged her. Not even with a token greeting. She didn’t want to dampen the mood. Instead, she walked
over to help the staff set the table.
Just as she picked up a wine glass, a hand slapped her lower back.
“Well, hello again, dear Sydney. Long time no see,” said a voice, too slick and familiar.
Startled, she turned. Every instinct screamed to smash the glass over his head, but she held it together and dipped her
head. “Victor. You’re back.”
“Oh yes? Miss me much?” He grinned and tugged at the sleeve of her bulky coat. “It’s over 20°C here. Why are you still
dressed like you’re headed for the North Pole?”
Receiving no answer, Victor pressed, “What’s with the cold shoulder?”
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