Chapter 30
Sydney stiffened briefly as she walked behind him. When Alan glanced back, she relaxed.
Alan let them enter but called after her, “If it gets awkward, I’ll ask that fellow to leave and skip dinner.”
“I’m fine.” Sydney had braced herself ever since running into him in Storia a few days ago. If she could meet him abroad, encountering him here did not surprise her. He had grown powerful and aloof. There was no need for her to force her mentor to save face.
Seeing her calm, Alan patted her shoulder. “That’s good. After all, you are. siblings. And he may carry his own unspoken burden—”
“Alan, let’s go in,” Sydney said softly, cutting him off.
Over the years, she had heard similar excuses from others. If he truly had unspoken
burdens, why not confide in her instead of casting her aside like trash?
Eloise was right. He was a privileged golden boy who had treated her like a pet. It had been fun until it became a burden.
Alan understood her feelings and didn’t press further. “Let’s go
in.”
Before she stepped inside, the atmosphere seemed relaxed. In the study, Marcus chatted comfortably with Julian, who Eliana had introduced.
“Syd.” Marcus waved as she entered. “This is Julian of the Sterling family. He’s the CEO we met in Storia a few days ago.”
The man stood tall and composed, his black eyes cold and emotionless. Golden rays from the setting sun softened his aura, but he remained distantly noble.
Sydney brushed her fingertips along her palm and greeted him calmly, “Mr. Sterling.”
“This is Sydney Wilson, my junior from university. She’s incredibly gifted.” Marcus spoke proudly and, perhaps wary of Julian underestimating her, added, “Although I call her my
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Chapter 30
junior, she’s basically like my own sister.”
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As successor to Shephard Pharmaceuticals, Marcus‘ words carried weight. It was a discreet reassurance of Sydney’s standing.
Julian lifted his brow wryly and repeated the word with mock politeness, “Sister… Nice to meet you.”
That whispered “Sister” felt like a taunt.
Sydney’s voice turned cold as she set the boundary. “Mr. Sterling, no need for jest.”
She was usually gentle, but not tonight.
Sensing the tension, Marcus opened his mouth, but Alan spoke first. “Come now. Dinner’s ready. Try my wife’s cooking.”
Turning to Julian, Alan added coolly, “It’s been years since you’ve come to eat here.”
The remark carried clear reproach. At Julian’s level, no one spoke like that unless sincere.
Marcus tensed, but Julian replied with a faint smile, “Worried I’d be sent away again?”
Alan looked at him firmly. “Sounds like you know.”
“All right, dinner’s ready,” Eliana interjected, bringing dishes to the long table.
Sydney retrieved plates and utensils and helped pour wine into glasses. Though a doctor, Alan appreciated a thoughtful sip now and then.
Seated beside his wife, Sydney found herself directly opposite Julian.
Alan and his wife had never approved of Sydney’s marriage. They had watched her grow up, ignored by Caleb. Naturally, they celebrated when word reached them that she had filed for
divorce.
Eliana raised her glass to Sydney and said warmly, “I heard you’re divorcing. We think you’re making the right choice. Better days lie ahead.”
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