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Chapter 32
Sydney did not speak after getting into the car. She sat quietly, leaning against the seat, her on the passing street scenes outside the window.
eyes
fixed
In the four years they had known each other, she had proven sensible and resilient. She resembled a sturdy evening primrose, blooming despite wind and rain. But now, something felt different. She
remained silent, and Marcus sensed her sadness.
At a red light, he gently tapped the brakes and asked, “Are you okay?”
The truth was that she was not okay. Julian had seemed so calm, as if nothing had happened. It felt like
she was the clingy or petty one. Meanwhile, he had moved on.
Sydney rarely revealed her emotions, so she forced a smile and said, “I’m fine.”
He hesitated, then spoke softly. “If something’s bothering you, you can tell me.”
He did not press further but warned, “Going head–on with Julian won’t end well for you.”
That simple statement cut deep.
Her emotions swirled before she whispered, “I know.”
She did not fully understand why she stayed composed after Caleb’s betrayal, yet lost control so easily with Julian.
Later at home, she recounted the moment to Tiffany. Without hesitation, her friend moved the case files on the coffee table and said knowingly, “You know why, right? You trusted Julian completely for nine
years. With Caleb, you only tried. But he let you down.”
She sipped her coffee, wagging a finger for emphasis. “You never fully gave him your heart, and he refused to accept it.”
Then she delivered her verdict. “It all comes down to emotional sunk cost.
That phrase echoed in Sydney’s mind as she lay in bed that night.
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Chapter 32
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The Luxon Club was an exclusive membership even the wealthy struggled to access. Its corridors led to pitch–black private rooms filled with elite chatter. Inside one such room, several men and women gathered around a gambling table.
Bruce Wilhelm frowned at Caleb and said, “Forget history. You fought over Penelope, and now you want Sydney to clean up after both of you? Are you insane? How is this any different from having her lie beside me in bed? She didn’t protest?”
“She didn’t.” Caleb swirled his drink and shook his head. “She just asked if I could cut ties with Penny.
But she’s my sister–in–law. How can I?”
Bruce sighed in frustration. “Sister–in–law or not, you know what I mean. Don’t push Sydney too far
and force her into divorce.”
Caleb shook his head. “She won’t do that.”
After all those years of giving her all, there was no way she would ask for a divorce without tears or fuss.
They had grown up like brothers, but that did not justify Caleb’s actions. Bruce could not help but say, “Don’t take advantage just because she has no family backing her. Remember, Julian raised her.
From the side of the table, a friend said casually, “She’s been estranged from Julian for years. Why
would he defend her?”
At that moment, the door burst open.
Julian strolled in with one hand in his pocket. His relaxed tone carried fierce undercurrents. “Did she tell you that herself? Or did I?”
Everyone froze at the doorway.
One man jumped to his feet, startled, dropping the cards in his hand and stammering, “J–Julian!”
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