Julian asked, “Would you refuse to join the project just because I said no?”
Sydney wasn’t sure what he meant. Since it was his project, she did not want to upset him. “It’s under your name, so of course I’ll respect your decision.”
After marrying Caleb, they had grown so distant that they were practically strangers.
A moment of silence passed before Julian let out a low, almost mocking chuckle. His gaze turned icy. “Then don’t bother coming.”
He pushed open the door and strode out without looking back.
Sydney sat stunned. She had no idea what she had said to anger him. He had flipped on her so quickly.
‘Fine. If he doesn’t want me on the project, I won’t join.”
Still, bitterness lingered.
That night, she dreamed she was pestering him, whining, “Julian, if you don’t let me join, I’ll never talk to you again!”
He raised an eyebrow, his eyes sharp and teasing. “What did you just call me?”
“I was wrong, Jules!”
Sydney jolted awake, heart pounding, and she stared at the dark ceiling. It took her a long time to calm down. They were nothing to each other now. She would not act like a clingy child again.
She turned on the light, went to the living room, and dug through her bag to find the protective charm. Back in her room, she started slipping it under her pillow, then suddenly froze.
Something was off. The charm was not quite the same as before.
The next day at the clinic…
Penelope suddenly became the center of attention. Even in the cafeteria, a crowd of young female coworkers
surrounded her.
As Sydney passed with her lunch tray, one of them cheerfully patted the empty seat beside her. “Dr. Wilson, come sit with us!”
“Thanks.” Sydney accepted politely, quietly ate her meal, and ignored their gossipy chatter.
Penelope pulled out a box of cherries. “These just flew in from overseas today. Can someone help me wash them so we can all share?”
The young women oohed and aahed, eyeing the glossy, golden–red cherries.
“Wow, thank you!”
“Penny, you must be loaded!”
“How’d you land a rich, perfect boyfriend like that?”
1/2
Chapter 66
+15 BONUS
Penelope acted shy under their bombardment. “We actually knew each other since we were kids. He was the one who pursued me.”
The young women gushed.
“Oh my god!”
“So it’s childhood sweethearts and he made the first move? That’s like a total fairytale!”
“Ugh, this is rich girl meets heir–level romance. We can’t compete with that.”
“Penny, when are you two getting married? Let us bask in the good vibes!”
Penelope smiled coyly. “Soon, I think. There’s just a tiny obstacle, but once that’s settled, I’ll definitely invite you all.”
“Yay, we can’t wait!”
Penelope turned to Sydney with a bright smile. “Dr. Wilson, you have to come to our wedding.”
Sydney calmly dabbed her mouth, glanced at her coolly, and smiled. “Midday really is the perfect time for daydreams.”
She stood up and walked off, tray in hand.
Penelope had not expected such shamelessness. She had practically spelled it all out, and Sydney still clung to that “Mrs. Hampton” title like it meant something. On top of that, she dared to insult her in front of everyone?
Penelope took a deep breath, forcing down her anger. Then she heard one of the young women whisper, ” Don’t mind her, Penny. Dr. Wilson just got divorced. Maybe she’s not in the mood for wedding talk.”
Penelope’s eyes widened. “Divorced?”
