Lahat ng Kabanata ng Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Kabanata 331 - Kabanata 340

Sydney paused. She had heard before that the Hutton family often funded public welfare projects. Yet after so many years with the Sterlings, she had grown used to thinking such efforts were only aristocratic window dressing.She had not expected the Huttons to be different. They were not posing or pretending. They genuinely wanted to help as many people as they could.A twinge of shame rose in her chest at her earlier assumptions. Just as she was about to speak, James said, "This project has always lacked a suitable consultant. It depends now on whether you're willing to join."Sydney didn't hesitate. "Of course I'm willing."She still remembered what her parents used to say—that chronic diseases, though often incurable, could be managed so they wouldn't greatly shorten life.James wasn't surprised by her answer. "My plan is to pay you a monthly consulting fee. Once the project runs smoothly—""Since it's a public-welfare project, I should contribute too. No need for a fee," Sydn

Sydney could always say that she had signed that contract to save Tiffany because she truly could not imagine any other way. But if she admitted she willingly liked Julian, how could she ever explain that?There was no way. If she confessed now, the next time he abandoned her, only she would be blamed.Just like back then, when everyone had scolded her, "Julian raised you for nine years. Wasn't that long enough? And you still dream of clinging to him forever!"Seeing her hang her head in silence, Julian guessed what she was thinking. His large hand cupped the back of her head gently.Tilting slightly downward, his lips brushed hers. 'So soft…'Julian did not rush to deepen the kiss. He lingered with rare patience, murmuring between touches, "Precious, the past won't happen again. Sydney and Julian will never be separated."Sydney froze in surprise. He had remembered her 16th birthday wish.Clinging to his shoulders and returning the kiss, she fought back the sting of tears and w

"Ahh!" Penelope screamed in the bathroom.Seizing the moment of Adeline's absence and Dorothy living on the first floor, she vented her rage and indignation.It was impossible to keep this child. She fumbled for her phone and hastily booked an obstetrics appointment."What on earth are you yelling about in the middle of the night?" Adeline's voice suddenly rang from outside the bathroom door.Penelope jumped. She tossed the pregnancy test into the trash, covered it with tissues, and turned off her phone before forcing herself to open the door."Mom, didn't you go to Ms. Rodney's gathering? How are you back so early?""If I hadn't come back early, how could I hear you losing it?" Adeline shot a suspicious glance at her and scanned the mess inside the bathroom. "What's happening? Don't tell me you've done something shameful again.""Of course not." Penelope wore a calm expression and smoothly fabricated an excuse. "I just got some news about Sydney. Mom, did you hear? She's been g

As soon as the words left her lips, Sydney pulled her wrist free and stepped inside first.Tiffany was gaming, but when she noticed Sydney hadn't even shut the door, she set her phone down in confusion. "Why don't you close the door?""Caleb's coming over in a bit."Sydney had never intended to keep that from her.Tiffany immediately stopped her game and tossed the phone aside. "What's he coming for?""He's been helping me look into..." Sydney crossed the room, sat down, and pressed against the dull ache in her chest. "The cause of my parents' deaths."Tiffany's expression turned grave. She was about to speak when a knock came at the door. Caleb stood outside.They lived only a floor apart, yet it had been a long time since they'd last seen each other. He stood there in a white shirt and black trousers, still composed and refined. However, the vigor he once had was gone. In its place lingered a quiet desolation.Caleb lowered his gaze to the disposable slippers by the entryway,

Sydney had not quite figured out how to bring it up. But since Florence asked, she decided not to hold back.Seeing that she could actually help, Florence felt relieved and readily agreed. "Go ahead. As long as it's something I can do, I'll help.""This file…" Sydney pulled out the documents Caleb had given her the night before. "Could you check if it's real?"She already suspected it was true. Everything added up logically. Still, part of her, unwilling to give up hope, wanted confirmation one more time.What if Caleb was lying? What if it had nothing to do with Julian's family, and Eloise simply clashed with her, making her life miserable?Florence chuckled. "That's a small matter. I'll have James check it for you.""Alright, thank you." Sydney hesitated, then added, "Could you keep this from Raymond?"Florence patted her hand. "This is your matter. Of course, it stays secret without your permission."I'll send the documents to James later and have him look into it. All you n