All Chapters of Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Chapter 501 - Chapter 510

And then came the part about Raymond showing up across the hall.Halfway through her venting session, Tiffany had gotten a call from a client. Still mid-rant and far from satisfied, she had no choice but to hang up and drag herself back to the study—off to play the loyal corporate workhorse once again.Julian chuckled. "So, what are you going to do then?""I'll dry it myself," Sydney said.She said it but didn't move. She truly hated blow-drying her hair. Why hadn't anyone invented an automatic hair dryer yet? She'd buy it in a heartbeat.The weather had cooled lately, and one careless moment could lead to a cold. Julian urged gently, "Go on."After all these years, she'd changed in so many ways, yet some habits stayed exactly the same. The clearest example: she still avoided drying her hair whenever she could.When she was little, Julian used to nag her about it.The pouty, not-even-ten-year-old Sydney would glare at him indignantly and self-righteously. "Why are you telling m

At noon, James had business near the clinic. When he finished, he decided to invite Sydney to lunch so they could return to Seraph Villa together afterward.She hadn't expected Charlotte to show up that day. By all rights, she should have been the one treating Charlotte and her grandmother to lunch. But with James already waiting, it didn't feel right to bring friends and elders along to what was clearly a private meal.Charlotte caught her hesitation immediately and smiled. "You squeezed my grandmother in at the last minute. I should be the one buying lunch. But since you've already got plans, we'll call it a rain check, yeah?""Okay." Sydney nodded with a smile, and the three of them left the clinic together.As they turned the corner, she spotted James standing a few paces from the nurses' station.Autumn had deepened. He wore a dark gray trench coat that made his tall, lean frame even more striking. His refined features naturally drew attention, though he lacked the cold, aris

Sydney didn't answer right away. 'Delta Mansion? That's Julian's place. So why is Raymond the one calling me?'Finally, she asked, "What's wrong? I'm at Seraph Villa. Just finished treating your mother."Raymond's voice came through the line. "Mm, I know."Fortunately, she had already treated his mother. If anyone found out he'd dragged his mother's doctor away mid-session to help Julian, they'd string him up.He could imagine the headline: [Unfilial Son Interrupts Mom's Treatment to Save Someone Else's Grandmother.*He hurried to explain. "It's Julian's grandmother. She twisted her ankle coming down the stairs. It's swollen, but she refuses to go to the hospital. She's icing it for now."Sydney didn't hesitate. An injury like that might be minor, or it could worsen fast. Either way, she'd rather check it herself. Even without Julian's connection, Agatha had always been warm and kind to her. Sydney was genuinely fond of the old woman.…When she hung up, Raymond turned toward t

Julian's throat tightened when the teasing spark in Sydney's eyes flickered up at him. He had been holding back, aware that Agatha and Raymond were still in the house.But in that moment, his restraint gave way."Hm?" His voice came out low and drawn, an arched brow accompanying the sound. "What are you up to?"He spoke lazily as he turned off the tap and reached for a soft cotton towel. Unhurried, he dried their hands—hers first, then his own. The small act felt far too intimate.The tension that had hardened his features moments ago was gone. He looked as he always did, casual and unbothered but with a glint of amusement in his eyes. A dangerous warning if there ever was one.Sydney's ears turned hot. Sensing trouble, she tried to pull her hand free. "Nothing. You should go. Your grandmother and Raymond are still—"Before she could finish, his newly dried hand slipped around her waist, drawing her close and pressing her back gently against the marble counter.Her words died. S

At her words, Julian calmly picked up a rib and placed it on her plate."There are toiletries and fresh clothes upstairs," he said evenly. "All brand new. Go up later and check if you're missing anything. I'll have someone prepare it."Sydney blinked. "There are?"There wasn't a single young woman living there. How could her things already be waiting for her?"Ever since you came back that one time, this place has been kept ready for you." Julian's tone stayed smooth and unhurried. He didn't say who had done the work or who had given the order. But clearly, no one here would have dared without his approval.It took Sydney a moment to process what he meant. So ever since she'd dropped by to return his suit, he'd already decided that if she ever came back, this would be her home.Warmth bloomed in her chest. She didn't thank him—it didn't feel like something that needed thanks.Raymond felt a pang of humility as he watched quietly. Moments ago he'd thought Julian's elaborate pla