Lahat ng Kabanata ng Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Kabanata 221 - Kabanata 230

At those words, Adeline nearly exploded, her eyes widening in fury. "Are you serious?"The divorce certificate was barely warm in Sydney's hands, and she was already entangling herself with another man?The more Adeline thought about it, the angrier she became. She forgot, entirely, how her own son had treated Sydney in the first place.Had Sydney remained in the Hampton household, she might have understood the source of Caleb's double standards. It was in his blood. Mother and son alike—both born hypocrites.Seeing Adeline's reaction, Penelope knew she had taken the bait. She smiled sweetly. "Why would I lie? Just the other day in Haven—you didn't know, did you? Julian is living right across the hall from Sydney now."Adeline nearly spat blood. What difference was that from living together?She had barely divorced her son, and now she was clinging to a man of Julian's stature? If the word got out, everyone would say something was wrong with the Hamptons.Adeline's chest heaved

When those words tumbled out, even Victor froze. He had always toyed with every woman until boredom set in, including Sydney. At first, he assumed she would be no different. The only regret was he had never actually touched her.But if he could? Marrying her would not be impossible. And if he grew tired one day, he could always divorce her. Nothing more than a stopgap.Of course, his grandmother would never approve.Hearing his words, Eloise nearly exploded. Rage flared in her eyes. "Have you lost your mind? Do you even know who you are and who she is? How could she possibly deserve you?"Other than Julian, this grandson was her only true-blooded heir. Victor was already of marriageable age, but out of love for him, she had delayed arranging his match. She thought no one was good enough. And now he came out with this, wanting to marry Sydney?It was not even about whether Sydney was "worthy." The most urgent concern was that once that person was released from prison, Sydney would

Sydney had no idea how the news could have reached Eloise so quickly, but she did not rush to respond. She lowered her gaze and asked calmly, "What exactly are you trying to say?"Eloise studied her expression. The young woman's attitude said enough. "All the better, then.""What do you mean?" Sydney asked.Eloise flicked her eyes toward the driver. Once the car moved, she said with practiced ease, "You're young. You don't yet know which men are truly worth entrusting your life to. This time, I'll make the choice for you.""I'm not planning on marrying anytime soon." Sydney had foreseen this day the moment she decided to divorce. She had not expected it to come so quickly, though.Eloise snorted coldly. "This isn't up to you. You've enjoyed the Sterling family's comforts all these years. Isn't it time you gave something back?"Sydney's palm tightened around her bag. "And who do you intend for me to marry?""The Wolfen family's fourth son, Eric Wolfen. Fine character, impeccable

Sydney avoided Julian's unblinking stare and drew a deep breath to mask her unease. "I'm waiting for Caleb.""Wait if you want," Julian said, utterly unabashed. "But don't forget what's in our agreement."Sydney's chest tightened. Seizing the moment when the maids looked away, she shot him a fierce glare.Knowing she could not handle teasing, Julian shoved one hand casually into his pocket and strode toward the staircase.At the landing, he stopped, then turned back, his voice calm and deliberate. "By the way, come upstairs. I have something for you."She knew from the tone that refusal was not an option. The more she resisted, the more suspicious it would seem. She rose with measured composure and followed him upstairs.Though he had moved out, no one had dared touch his courtyard over the years. Even in Eloise's residence, a room remained reserved for him.Julian led her straight into his old quarters."What is it?" she asked."And why are you waiting for Caleb?"The moment

Sydney blurted out the usual excuse without thinking. "Tiff's here. It's not convenient."Caleb saw through her immediately. "Didn't she leave on a business trip?"Sydney froze.He added calmly, "Gordon ran into her at the airport this morning."His gaze softened, the meaning in his eyes unmistakable.Sydney hesitated, then decided to lay everything bare. "Actually, the reason I had you come to the Sterling estate today was to use you. We've already div—""I don't mind." Caleb leaned closer, closing the space between them until their breaths mingled. His voice dropped to a low, tender murmur. "We're husband and wife. Helping each other is natural. How is that 'using'?"Before she could answer, he dipped his head, their lips nearly touching.Sydney's breath caught. Panic surged, and she shoved him away with all her strength and bolted from the car. "Caleb, calm down! I'm going upstairs first!"She raced into the apartment building, stabbing the elevator button as if she could b