Lahat ng Kabanata ng Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Kabanata 161 - Kabanata 170

Ever since learning that Charlotte was not his girlfriend, Sydney had unconsciously ignored the possibility that there was still someone else. Not Charlotte—but another woman.If that were true, what had her behavior last night meant?Unease crept in at the thought.Julian heard her shift and turned his head, glancing at her. He finished speaking into the phone with patient calm, then hung up and looked back."Your head's clear now?" His voice held the same calm as always, as if nothing had happened.Sydney froze as she realized that he meant last night. Remembering that he had a girlfriend, she suddenly did not know how to respond.As for Tiffany, she assumed Julian had already handled it. If she tried to back out now, it would look like using him and discarding him. Worse, it might irritate him and leave Tiffany in an even more precarious position.But if she didn't back out…She stayed silent, brows drawn, lips pressed tight.Julian arched a brow at her hesitation. "So, how

Sydney denied it without hesitation. She had no way of knowing how long Julian's fleeting interest would last. For all she knew, he could tell her to leave in a few days. There was no reason to say anything that might make Tiffany worry.She changed the topic. "Will this affect your job?""No." Tiffany shook her head, then added, "You know, Julian might seem cold and ruthless, but he's meticulous when handling things. He already had Sterling Corp.'s lawyer call my boss and make it clear this was just his cousin stirring up trouble, nothing to do with me."In business, everyone was shrewd. That call had not only cleared her name but also implied a subtle connection to the Sterling family. When she got her phone back from the police, her partners practically tumbled over themselves with concern, all but asking outright what her relationship with Julian was.Back at their building, they ran into a familiar face as they stepped out of the elevator.Raymond had just come from Julian's

Sydney's narrow waist was trapped in Julian's hand, toyed with at will. It was a sensation unlike anything she had ever felt. Her entire body, down to her toes, stiffened under his touch.His words struck her ears, leaving her dazed. She blinked at him. "Huh?"Her clear eyes, wide with confusion, glistened like water and ignited a desire in him to press further.He patted her hip lightly. "I said, kiss me."This time she heard him. Instantly, her cheeks flamed, like a shrimp dropped into boiling water.Julian was dressed in a suit and tie, immaculate, composed, the very picture of cold restraint. No one would imagine those hands capable of such teasing.She remembered the agreement they had made the night before. There was no room for coyness. Steeling herself, she looped her arms around his shoulders and leaned toward his thin lips. The closer she came, the hotter her ears burned.He remained still, sovereign and unyielding, watching her submission. Just as her lips were about

Sydney felt the weight of his hand on hers, her other palm braced against his leg. She understood now that their balance had changed. In this relationship, Julian held all the power.She nodded. "I know."The car eased to a smooth stop in front of Sterling Corp.'s headquarters. A knock tapped against the tinted window. It was Charlotte.Even though the privacy glass separated them, Sydney instinctively pulled free from his grip and slid back into her seat. Meeting Julian's sharp, displeased gaze, she explained primly, "We're at work."There should be clear lines between business and personal.Julian let it drop and stepped out with the cool, aloof poise that came as naturally as breathing. The man who had pressed her into his arms moments before was gone.Charlotte had been about to speak when her eyes flicked past him, catching sight of Sydney in the back seat. Surprised, she blinked. "Syd, heading to R&D?""Yes," Sydney said, nodding.Charlotte smiled, then turned to Julian.

The law firm had granted Tiffany a week of paid sick leave. For once, she wasn't working overtime.Curled on the sofa, she focused on her game when the sound of the door closing pulled her gaze up. "What's wrong?"Sydney shook her head. "Nothing."Tiffany's eyes flicked to the trash bags in Sydney's hands. Without looking away from the screen, she asked, "And the garbage? Aren't you taking it out?""I suddenly feel too tired. I don't feel like going downstairs."Sydney set the bags by the shoe cabinet, shrugged off her down coat, and flopped onto the couch. She didn't want to run into Charlotte again, especially not like that.Julian might have said there was nothing special between him and Charlotte, but the latter seemed to be special in every situation she entered.Sydney hugged her tablet, scrolling through variety shows to chase away the sour feeling in her chest. Casually, she asked, "What are you doing for New Year's?""I'll go home for a couple of days tomorrow." Tiffan