Chapter 54
“I’m okay.” Sydney glanced at her reddened hand. Compared to the maids at the Sterling estate, Penelope’s slap was
nothing. Over the years, she had grown tough and thick–skinned. Her pain tolerance far exceeded most people’s.
Tiffany still didn’t look convinced. “We’ll stop by the pharmacy later and get something for it. You didn’t even try to
dodge. Why’d you let her hit you?”
Sydney’s voice stayed soft and steady. “Because getting hit was more effective.”
Tiffany was momentarily at a loss for words. She had always thought she knew Sydney well, but something about
tonight left a weight in her chest. She knew what kind of person Sydney was–pure, kind, quietly resilient. And around
her, Sydney had always stayed cheerful, like a little beam of sunshine.
When Sydney noticed her silence, she rubbed her palm and asked, “Do you think I’m too calculating?”
Tiffany glared at her, tears already sliding down her cheeks. “Are you dumb or what?”
She wiped them away and gave Sydney’s head a rough rub. “I’m upset because I care, okay?”
She couldn’t imagine what Sydney had endured to become so careful around people. Back when they were younger,
Sydney often looked after her because of her messy home life. But in truth, Sydney had always had it worse.
A quiet warmth rose in Sydney’s chest. She smiled. “There’s nothing to feel bad about. It’s all in the past.”
Things now were a thousand times better than before.
“What do you wanna eat? My treat,” Sydney offered.
“Okay.” Tiffany thought for a second, then clung to her arm. “Let’s go grocery shopping. We can cook at home and make
some stew. Sound good?”
“Sounds perfect.”
This winter was especially cold–the perfect weather for homemade stew.
As the white Audi pulled out of the lot, a sleek black Bentley eased in. The two cars nearly brushed past each other.
Elliot squinted at the license plate, frowning. “Isn’t that Ms. Wilson’s friend’s car? It looked like someone was in the
passenger seat too. Didn’t the party just start? She already left?”
Julian looked up from his tablet, his eyes narrowing. “What did you say?”
Peter glanced in the rearview mirror and said, “He said Ms. Wilson already left. That can’t be right. Caleb’s car is still out
1/2
8:43 AM Sun 24 Aug
Chapter 54
front. Weren’t they supposed to arrive together?”
78%
+15 BONUS
Why did it suddenly feel like his employer’s gaze had turned dangerous? Had he said something wrong? Wasn’t it normal for couples to arrive together?
That sharpness vanished the moment they stepped into the private suite and saw Penelope seated next to Caleb.
Something about the room felt off.
Bruce was in the middle of what looked like a mild argument with Caleb. But as soon as Julian walked in, everyone lit up,
pretending nothing was wrong.
“It’s Julian!”
“Hey, you made it!”
Julian scanned the room lazily and tossed a gift box at Bruce. “Happy birthday.”
Bruce caught it and raised a brow. “Thanks, Jules.‘
Julian didn’t look particularly engaged. He picked a seat with little interest, his gaze drifting toward Caleb and Penelope.
He smirked. “Didn’t bring your number one tonight?”
The jab landed right on cue. Whatever calm had barely settled over the room shattered again.
The two women who had mouthed off earlier were now wondering if it was too late to slip out. Penelope’s smile froze.
What did that mean? If Sydney was number one, then what was she? Number two? And what did that make her? A
mistress. A side piece. Someone who had to stay in the dark.
But that barb wasn’t meant for her–it was aimed straight at Caleb. A man like Julian wouldn’t bother humiliating a
woman like her unless he had a bigger point to make.
Caleb didn’t flinch. “Syd had something to handle. She left early.”
“Oh? So she was here?” Julian’s tone was flat, like he couldn’t be bothered to care.
Today’s Bonus Offer
