This felt utterly foreign to Caleb, as if control had slipped from his grasp. He stared unblinking at Sydney and thought, for a fleeting moment, that if she admitted it, he might as well crush her.
Instead, she lowered her gaze and replied quietly, “Weren’t you using me too?”
It was mutual. Each had gained from the other.
He seized her jaw, forcing her eyes upward. “I’ll ask you one more time. Think carefully before you answer. You spent this marriage using me, didn’t you?”
His grip twisted her jaw toward dislocation. Her eyes flushed red, and reason bled away. Still, she answered without wavering, “Yes. It’s true. You, Caleb–you betrayed this marriage! What made you think you had the right to question me so freely?”
That question had burned in her chest from the start. At first, she had considered entrusting her future to him. She had wanted his affection, to be the obedient wife, the proud daughter–in–law of the Hampton family. She had not abandoned those hopes lightly.
Now his hold only tightened. The urge to crush her pulsed through him.
“I’ve explained it to you a thousand times!” he growled. I’ve said my wife is irreplaceable and you will always be the Hampton family’s daughter–in–law! Sydney, how can you not understand that?”
His voice softened, almost merciful, and Sydney nearly laughed.
When her silence lingered, Caleb mistook it for regret. He released her jaw with reluctance. Confrontation disgusted him, so he gentled his tone. “Let’s pretend tonight never happened. Penny also wants in on Sterling Corp.’s project. You’re the team lead and can bring a member if you wish. Make this your gesture of goodwill. Apologize properly–for her sake and Timmy’s.”
The offer caught Sydney off guard. Clarity returned to her voice. “In terms of credentials and ability, Penelope isn’t qualified for that project.”
Sydney had studied under an expert in the field for 15 years, inherited his teachings fully, practiced for three years, and even helped develop medicines.
What did Penelope have?
“Penny is a top graduate from Jouleston University,” Caleb said, frowning. “She’s also your senior. You only have a bachelor’s. Why should she be beneath you?”
Sydney’s eyes stayed cold. “If you’re unhappy, call the police.”
“Sydney!” His patience faded. “Don’t make me regret my decision from all those years ago!”
“What decision?” A shadow of sadness crossed her eyes. “To marry me?”
He had regretted it first.
In his silence, she smiled.
“Then regret it.” She spun on her heel, strode out of the elevator lobby, and ran straight into Julian, who stood two steps away at the other door.
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Chapter 82
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Unsurprisingly, he must have heard at least part of the exchange.
Her anger flared. “Mr. Sterling, you enjoy eavesdropping, don’t you?”
He shrugged, unbothered. One hand rested in his pocket as his gaze swept over her from head to toe. Then, he asked in a smooth, aloof tone, “How about you? Do you regret it?”
Chapter 83
+15 BONUS
