Caleb hadn’t expected to hear that sentence.
“Mr. Hampton, you’re here.” The female officer regarded him calmly. “This could go either way–a serious case or just a family matter. If you can settle it privately, that’s best.”
Caleb glanced at Sydney. Her expression was distant, unreadable. Tension rose in his chest, but he kept it contained.
“Then, we’ll let the police handle it,” he said.
Sydney’s long lashes fluttered, though her face stayed composed. She meant what she’d said earlier. She didn’t care about him–not even a little.
Caleb frowned. He couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t at least pretend to be vulnerable. If she had just admitted fault and apologized, he might have let it go for old times‘ sake.
But she didn’t even try.
His voice turned cold. “I may be family, but a moment of weakness doesn’t excuse crossing the line. Actions have consequences.”
He turned and walked out.
The officers resumed their procedure, asking Sydney a few more questions. Once they confirmed the details, they released her.
Outside, the winter chill cut through Sydney’s clothes. The air was biting.
A familiar black Maybach waited by the station entrance As she passed, the window rolled down, revealing Caleb’s composed, impassive face. He rarely looked this cold.
“Tomorrow is Grandma’s birthday banquet. I’ll pick you up. We’ll return to the family residence together,” he announced.
‘So that was his reason…‘ Sydney saw it clearly now. It was all for Penelope. No matter how distant their relationship had become, he was still willing to put on a show for his grandmother’s sake. He wanted her to pretend they were a loving couple and maintain the illusion for the Hamptons.
Not this time.
Sydney shook her head. “I don’t have time tomorrow.”
She needed to stay focused on Sterling Corp.’s project. Her independence, her future–everything she’d worked for–mattered more than appearances. If she was going to walk away from the Hampton name, she had to prove herself.
Sterling Corp. was her shot at doing that. She couldn’t afford to be buried again.
Caleb’s lips curled with derision. “Not even pretending anymore?”
Before she could answer, two message notifications appeared on her phone. The messages were from Adeline.
The first one read: [The divorce papers are ready. Remember to attend Grandma’s banquet tomorrow.]
1/2
Chapter 84
+15 BONUS
A photo followed. A scanned image of the divorce papers Her name was printed clearly.
Relief hit her in a quiet, overwhelming wave. Her shoulders relaxed, and a slow smile lit her face. When she looked up at Caleb again, her voice had softened. “I’m free tomorrow.”
Caleb blinked, caught off guard by how radiant her smile suddenly looked.
“What did you say?” he asked.
“I said I can go with you.” Her tone was light, almost cheerful.
His brow tightened. Ever since she’d checked her phone, something had changed. Her entire mood had changed, like the heroine of a drama responding to a lover’s message.
His voice sharpened. “Who just messaged you?”
“That’s personal.” She wasn’t about to hand him that answer.
Caleb’s jaw clenched. Even Penelope hadn’t stirred his emotions like this. Maybe that was what stung the most being toyed with, made to feel small.
He narrowed his eyes. “Syd, act all you want. But infidelity? That’s where I draw the line.”
Her voice turned tender again. “I know.”
They weren’t married anymore.
Caleb saw the calm in her posture. She looked composed maybe even submissive. He let out a breath. The anger eased from his voice. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Be ready.”
“Sure,” she replied.
