Semua Bab Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Bab 121 - Bab 130

Jason followed her instructions and put the call on speaker. He dialed several times before the line connected.The voice that answered was not Julian's, but Elliot's. "Jason, it's me. The boss is busy. He asked me to pass on a message. Don't call in the middle of the night, or you might get struck by lightning."Eloise's face darkened, her expression so stormy she nearly overturned the table.Jason coughed to smooth things over and went straight to the point. "Elliot, please ask Mr. Julian—about just now, we got a call from the project—"Elliot, having been at Julian's side for years, interrupted with the same lazy indifference Julian carried, "That was our boss who did it."Jason and Eloise froze. They had not expected such brazen, open admission. There was no attempt to hide it or pretense. Even a subordinate dared speak in this tone.Under Eloise's glare, Jason pressed, "Then what does Mr. Julian mean by this?""No special meaning," Elliot said evenly. "Mr. Sterling has alwa

Sydney froze at those words. 'He had raised and cared for a little girl…'The memory tugged at something familiar, reminding her of Julian and herself. The only difference was that she still did not understand why Julian had treated her that way back then.But what struck her more sharply was the first half of Agatha's sentence. Something about it did not add up.Wasn't her grandson's father supposed to be Agatha's own son? That was how it was supposed to work.Agatha noticed her confusion and offered a rueful smile. "My son was never registered under my name. Strictly speaking, I'm not my grandson's legal grandmother.""You're…" Sydney hesitated, a guess forming, but she chose not to pry and changed the conversation.Agatha's smile softened, as if a long-held burden had been lifted. "You're here because of marital infidelity. I was betrayed before marriage."Her voice was light, but the words carried weight. "Back then, the man was powerful, influential. When the child was born

"When he heard you were coming, he was so pleased he told me to prepare extra dishes just for you." Agatha's cheerful voice faltered as she stepped inside and saw the room empty.She glanced toward the yard and noticed the car was gone too.'The little brat slipped away while I went to fetch our guest!' she thought indignantly.Agatha flushed with anger and embarrassment and turned to Sydney apologetically. "My grandson…"Sydney smiled lightly, reassuring her, "It's a workday. If something urgent came up, it's normal for him to leave. Don't be upset."In truth, she felt relieved. Her gaze swept over the table laden with dishes, and she praised warmly, "So it turns out you're not only good at muffins. Your cooking's incredible too."Sweet-and-sour carp, slow-cooked lamb, garlic abalone—each dish was perfectly prepared, fragrant, and colorful. Her appetite stirred instantly.Agatha watched as Sydney's pride softened. Cursing her wayward grandson silently, she opened a drink for Sy

Sydney's cheeks burned at the implication, and she avoided Julian's gaze. "I-I can just tell them your height and weight. They're experienced…""Oh?" Julian hummed.He rose suddenly, crossed the room, and stopped in front of her, his amused smile sharp. "So, you know my height and weight?""I…" Sydney faltered.That old wall of strangeness rose inside her again. 'Right… We've been strangers for years now. Eight whole years—nearly a third of our lives without crossing paths.'She hadn't bought him clothes or given him gifts in forever. She no longer had any idea what his size was.'Eight years… If Yoyo were still alive, it would already be grown. Julian himself has changed so much too, with broader shoulders and a stronger build,' she thought.Steeling herself, Sydney said, "If you tell me, then I'll know, Mr. Sterling.""No." Julian's voice was cool. "Clothes need to be tried on. Numbers alone won't cut it."'Of course,' Sydney thought.For someone like him, custom-tailored s

Sydney frowned. "I'm busy."Caleb chuckled. "Then I'll let myself in?"He didn't think much of it. Even though Sydney had moved out, she was still his wife. Once he resolved things with Penelope and Sydney calmed down, life would return to normal.To him, entering her place felt natural. He asked only out of courtesy.Only then did Sydney remember she had never changed the smart lock password after moving in. Annoyance flared. She quickly stopped him. "No. I'll come back now."Ever since leaving Viridian Garden, she hadn't wanted Caleb anywhere near her private life except for unavoidable obligations.In her mind, home was a space reserved for the closest people.If Caleb went inside, she would feel exposed, violated.After hanging up, she looked up to find Julian watching her with idle amusement. His flawless face practically said, "Try standing me up and see what happens."Sydney hesitated. "Could you drop me at Haven first? I need to sign for something."Julian's smile was