Chapter 35
Before marrying Caleb, Sydney had asked around, trying to learn who he truly loved, but no one gave her an answer. The young men who seemed familiar were just his friends, and none of them would betray him.
With no other options, she had called Julian. His response had been cold and distant.
“We’re not related,” he had said. “Why would I answer your questions?”
She had hung up and blocked him. He had warned her many times that there was nothing between them, and never had
been.
The cold night air seeped into the car, as bitter as the air outside.
“Jack, roll up the window,” Caleb mumbled in his sleep. Even while unconscious, he sounded like a commanding tycoon.
Sydney didn’t answer. She moved her hand and opened the window all the way. The cold rushed in, deliberately.
By the time they reached Viridian Garden, it was 3:30 a.m.
Sydney stayed in the car, pulled out her phone, and called Penelope.
Penelope answered on the second ring, her voice sharp with anger. “Are you insane? Do you know what time it is?”
“Come downstairs,” Sydney said curtly.
“For what?“!
“For your lover.”
Penelope fell silent.
Sydney glanced into the rearview mirror. “Caleb.”
That did the trick. Within two minutes, the foyer lights switched on, and Penelope stepped outside.
Sydney stayed seated and said coolly, “Hurry up.”
She just wanted to go home and sleep.
Penelope opened the back door and found Caleb slumped over, drunk. She frowned and demanded, “What were you doing with him?”
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Chapter 35
Sydney smiled faintly. “If we actually did something, do you think I’d bring him here?”
“What are you playing at?” Penelope asked warily.
Who would hand her own husband over to the other woman?
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Running out of patience, Sydney checked the time. “If you don’t take him now, I’ll drop him off somewhere else.”
Caleb was out of it. He hadn’t even realized she’d moved out, but Penelope understood. She couldn’t make sense of it. Sydney, the so–called docile rabbit of the relationship, had changed. And no one–not even Caleb–questioned her composure. She really knew how to put on a show.
Penelope tried lifting him, but he was 6’1” and too heavy. She looked at Sydney and grumbled, “Can’t you help me?”
“Fine,” Sydney said. She stepped out, hooked Caleb’s arm, and let him drop into the grass with a dull thud. He adjusted
himself slightly and passed out again.
Penelope stood there, stunned. “Sydney, are you out of your mind?”
“You’re not out of your mind and you’re strong, so handle him yourself,” Sydney said calmly before getting back in her
car and driving off.
Penelope stared after her, speechless.
‘What kind of game is this?‘ she thought. ‘Is she faking a retreat just to come back stronger?‘
The next morning at breakfast, that “retreat before advancing” strategy seemed to have worked. Caleb’s attitude had
clearly changed.
“Where’s Sydney?” he asked as he came downstairs and sat across from Penelope.
He still looked slightly hungover but retained his usual charm.
“Bruce said she was the one who brought me back last night,” he added.
“She went to the clinic. Just left,” Penelope said, keeping her tone neutral.
“That early?” Caleb looked surprised.
Penelope nodded smoothly with a hum.
Sydney’s sudden move had caught her off guard, but she had decided to keep her plans quiet. She wouldn’t let Sydney get in her way again.
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Caleb, still queasy, turned to Nancy. “Can you bring me that stomach tonic Sydney made?”
