Chapter 60
Sydney did not overthink it. “Only if the drug succeeds.”
Alan understood her strength better than anyone. “Given your abilities, I believe it will.”
After hanging up, he looked at his wife with pride. “I never expected you to understand this girl’s nature better than I
do.”
Eliana smiled. “Of course. She would turn down most proposals. But when it comes to saving lives, she never hesitates.”
Brimcrest lay less than 125 miles from Jouleston. Since Caleb had a shareholders‘ meeting the next morning, they did
not stay overnight. He and Penelope drove back through the night.
At that hour, Jouleston’s streets still swarmed with traffic. A red limited–edition 911 roared through a red light,
prompting passersby to whip out their phones and snap pictures. This only fueled Penelope’s vanity.
“Cal, I’m so happy today. Thank you.” She leaned toward the passenger seat and noticed he seemed lost in thought.
A few seconds passed before Caleb turned to her. “What did you say?”
“You zoned out again!” Penelope teased lightly, but unease stirred in her chest.
That afternoon, he had taken her back to Brimcrest as promised, but he had kept checking his phone and drifting into
thought.
Caleb rubbed his brow, looking tired. “It’s late. I’m just a bit worn out.”
“Are you really just tired, or is your mind somewhere else?” Penelope’s voice cracked.
‘On that bitch, Sydney, probably,‘ she added inwardly.
Caleb would never admit it. Still, he forced himself to confront his feelings for Sydney. Despite his effort, the mood sank
deeper.
When the car pulled into Viridian Garden, he did not wait. He strode inside with clear urgency. He knocked lightly on the
master bedroom door but received no response. He turned the handle and entered.
The lights were off, leaving the room near–dark. He tiptoed to the bed and sat.
“Sydney, today—” His voice faltered when he saw the bed. It was perfectly made, smooth and eerie in its untouched condition. Sydney was not home.
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Chapter 60
Cold dread gripped him. He flipped on the lights and scanned the room.
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Her skincare products were neatly arranged on the vanity. The wardrobe remained intact. Yet something felt wrong. His eyes flicked to the bookcases–only a handful of books remained.
Caleb frowned. That bookshelf had once been crammed full.
Penelope hurried in, feigning concern. “What’s wrong, Cal? Didn’t she come home yet?”
“No.” His voice sounded stunned.
She sighed with relief, cursing inwardly, ‘That bitch.‘
Moving out would have been enough. But she had emptied the entire walk–in closet, afraid Caleb might not notice.
Fortunately, Penelope had prepared. She had already moved many of her own clothes into Sydney’s now–empty closet
and room.
Just as she thought she had gotten away with it, Caleb’s brow furrowed again. He turned and headed downstairs with
purpose.
“Cal, what are you doing?” she asked.
“I’m going to verify something.” His expression hardened, and his strides grew longer. He couldn’t rest without
knowing for sure.
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