Just as Sydney began to feel awkward, Charlotte appeared in front of her and took her hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Ms. Wilson, you remember me, right?”
Sydney nodded. “Yes.”
She remembered Charlotte as Julian’s secretary. Some might be surprised that someone like Julian–cold, distant, and meticulous about boundaries–would ever lur the lines between work and personal life. There was no way he would date a subordinate.
However, Sydney knew better. Julian did whatever he wanted. When he chose to spoil someone, he would keep them close and even work for them if necessary. He had a way of indulging someone so completely that the rest of the world seemed to fall away.
And then he would let them go. Brutally.
Charlotte gave a warm smile. “I’d heard Mr. Sterling had a sister. I just didn’t expect it was you.”
Sydney didn’t know how to respond. In the end, she mumbled, “Yeah. I didn’t expect it either.”
Her voice came out too soft, so Charlotte tilted her head. “What was that?”
“Nothing.”
Sydney could tell she meant to be friendly.
Once, back when Julian still cared about her, there had been plenty of girls eager to cozy up to his sister. Being close to Sydney meant a shortcut to him. But now her relationship with Julian was colder than that of strangers, and Charlotte had no reason to flatter her.
Sensing the distance, Charlotte just smiled and said nothing more.
By the time the banquet ended, Sydney had planned to sp out quietly.
Unexpectedly, Adeline stopped her to help see the guests off. When she finally got outside, the familiar Maybach was long gone.
The butler gave a clipped explanation. “Ms. Monroe had an allergic reaction to something she ate. Mr. Hampton took her to the hospital.”
“I see.”
She declined his offer to arrange a car and left on her own. Instead of pretending to double back to Aurum Road midway through the ride, she figured she might as well just call a cab now.
“Ms. Wilson?”
She had just reached the main road outside the estate and pulled out her phone when a Bentley slowed beside her.
The back window rolled down to reveal Charlotte, frowning. “You’re going home alone at this hour? Where’s Mr. Hampton?”
1/2
Chapter 90
+15 BONUS
Sydney turned and saw Julian beside her. He sat with his eyes closed, resting. His sharp profile looked impassive, as if their conversation hadn’t even registered.
“He had something urgent come up,” she said.
“Then come on, we’ll drop you off,” Charlotte offered.
“No need. I already called a ride…”
“Come on, it’s not safe for a woman to ride alone at night. Your brother would worry.”
Before Sydney could refuse, Charlotte stepped out, opened the passenger door, and gently ushered her inside.
Peter was driving. Julian and Charlotte sat in the back. Sydney ended up in the front passenger seat.
Something felt off. Why did it suddenly feel like she was the child in a family of three?
Before she could dwell on it, Charlotte smiled from the back. “I’m three years older than you. Since your brother calls you Syd, I hope you don’t mind if I do too?”
Sydney hesitated.
Sensing she might have overstepped, Charlotte quickly added, “Sorry, I’ll stop if—”
“It’s fine. Call me whatever you like.”
Julian had never called her that.
Charlotte leaned back, visibly relieved, sneaking a glance at the man beside her who still hadn’t opened his eyes. She couldn’t help but think the two really were siblings. Both were quiet and unreadable. Their personalities weren’t identical, but they gave off the same impression–like cool, distant shadows.
The rest of the ride passed in silence.
For Sydney, every second dragged. Even breathing felt unnatural.
She kept replaying the moment Charlotte had pushed her into the car. Why hadn’t she moved faster?
When the familiar buildings of Haven finally came into view, she nearly wanted to beg Peter to speed up.
Then the brake lights flared across the lanes ahead–aghttime traffic jam.
From the backseat, Julian spoke, his voice unreadable. “Was there poison in the wine at the banquet?”
Setting aside everything else, Sydney still thought his voice was the most pleasant she had ever heard. Low, warm, and just a little too casual.
