Chapter 57
Sydney did not hide anything. Her expression remained calm. “Yeah. But you don’t need to go against your family over
this.”
Marcus had started his business with money from the Shepard family. Most of the time, they stayed out of the clinic’s
operations. Occasionally placing someone inside was normal.
“I can talk to them,” he offered.
Sydney smiled faintly. “Marc, knowing Caleb, he doesn’t like owing favors. He probably made some kind of business
deal with your family.”
Marcus’s expression darkened. “Sorry. They mentioned something before, but I didn’t make the connection.”
“It’s not your fault,” Sydney said kindly. “Even if you refused, Caleb would have found another way.
Caleb and Julian were alike at heart. They would not stop until they got what they wanted. Caleb used softer, subtler
tactics, while Julian went straight for the jugular.
When the door opened again, Penelope waited calmly outside, as if she had known everything all along. Just as Sydney
had said, Caleb had made all the arrangements for her in advance. It was no wonder she looked so unbothered.
Penelope held out her hand, smiling smugly. “So, can I count on your guidance now?”
“Of course.” Sydney’s tone stayed steady. “At the clinic, I’m your senior. At home, I’m the legal wife. Whether professionally or personally, looking after you is my responsibility. No need to be polite.”
Without sparing a glance at Penelope’s angry face, Sydney walked off, unbothered.
As Sydney stepped outside the clinic and waited for her rideshare, a sudden thought struck her. She should buy a car.
After divorcing Caleb, she had taken two apartments but not a single vehicle. Relying on rides constantly was no longer
sustainable.
That evening, when she shared the idea with Tiffany, her friend immediately agreed, “Absolutely. When are we going?”
“Tomorrow.” Sydney had always been like this. Once she made up her mind, she didn’t like dragging things out. Just like
the divorce.
The next day, Sydney did morning consultations at the clinic and went alone to a dealership in the afternoon. She
spotted it immediately: a red, limited–edition Porsche 911 in the showroom. Its sleek, fluid lines marked it as a stunning
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Chapter 57
sports car.
The passenger door was open, spilling a cascade of flawless Floyd roses, each bloom fresh and dewy.
78%
+15 BONUS
“This is the only one to arrive in Jouleston in the past six months,” the salesperson said, noticing her interest. “It was
bought before it even arrived by a very generous customer. He said it was for his wife. He should be picking it up any
minute now.”
“Very romantic.” Sydney was not seriously considering it. It was well beyond her budget. The apartments were worth
money, but she had little cash on hand. She always found security in saving.
She wandered the showroom a while longer and finally chose a Porsche Panamera that was available immediately.
“Perfect!” The salesperson beamed. It was rare to see such a decisive client, though not surprising. Wealthy people liked
to follow their impulses.
He barely held back a grin as he guided her through the payment process. He even tried to arrange a flashy car–pickup
ceremony, but Sydney waved it off. “No need. Can I just drive it out now?”
“Absolutely! My colleague already pulled it around to the front lot. I’ll take you there.” The salesperson practically
groveled. Rich and drama–free clients like her were perfect.
When Sydney took the keys, she smiled. “Thank you.”
This was the first major purchase she had made since the divorce. It felt special, like a reward for having the courage to
start fresh.
She was glad she hadn’t dragged her feet, stuck in a miserable marriage.
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