Semua Bab Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Bab 531 - Bab 540

It felt as though something had suddenly gripped Sydney's heart, stealing her breath.On the other end of the line, Julian must not have heard her clearly—probably because of the wind rushing around him."Precious, what did you just say?"Sydney drew in a slow breath, pushing down the ache in her chest."Nothing," she murmured. "You've reached the hotel, right?"Through the speaker, she could hear his steady footsteps, then the faint whoosh of air as he stepped inside.Before he hung up, she asked quietly, "If I want to reach you later, should I still call this number?""Yes," he said warmly with a low chuckle. "Now can you finally get some sleep?"'Not really…' But Sydney didn't want Julian to worry. Not when he was half a world away. She nodded anyway, even though he couldn't see it."I'm going to sleep now." She paused. "You should rest early too."It was nighttime there as well, given the time difference.For a moment, it seemed like he wanted to say something more. But

Sydney's question cut straight to the point.On the other end of the line, Julian's cold eyes darkened, dangerous for a heartbeat, but not toward her.The fact that she could ask so plainly instead of sulking actually pleased him. The fact that she sounded a little jealous pleased him even more.A quiet laugh rumbled from his chest."So, who's been whispering in your ear?" he drawled.Leaning against the balcony railing, Sydney felt the tightness in her chest begin to loosen."Don't change the subject." Her voice steadied. "Just answer me honestly. Did you, or did you not, accompany another woman to a prenatal checkup?"Julian didn't deflect. He didn't even pause. "I did."Sydney's breath caught. She trusted him—she knew she did—but hearing him confirm it still hurt. A dull ache spread through her chest.She didn't even know who the woman was. Maybe someone from the years they'd spent apart. Someone important enough for him to fly halfway across the world for.Hurt, confusion

As the footage played, the scene shifted. Helen appeared in the hallway, holding a sealed evidence bag freshly collected from the sampling process.Just as she turned the corner, a maid hurried down the stairs and collided with her. The impact sent the bag tumbling from Helen's hand to the floor.The maid quickly bent to help, picked up the bag, and handed it back. At first glance, nothing seemed wrong.But anyone who looked closely could see it—the bag the maid returned wasn't the same one Helen had dropped. She had switched it.Sitting beside Leon as the video played, Helen went pale. Her eyes widened in panic. "Mr. Kingston, I swear I didn't notice anything at the time! That maid was from the Hutton family, wasn't she? I never imagined anyone from their household would tamper with the samples, so I didn't think to be cautious!"Across the table, James' expression hardened."So what you're saying is that even though the switch happened right in front of you, it's not your fault

Diana gave him a knowing look. "That girl probably doesn't even bother talking to you."Raymond ignored the jab. He had more important things to deal with and went straight to the point. "Since you already know she's not Vee, why are you still keeping her around?"Every day that Penelope paraded her fake sister status, he felt his patience fray. People might stay quiet out of respect for the Hutton family, but he knew they were laughing behind his back. Especially Julian— that bastard never missed a chance to mock him."Your little sister this, your sister that.""Congratulations, found your long-lost sister, huh?"Each taunt made his teeth itch.Diana ignored him, eyes down as she scrolled through her phone.It was James who finally took pity on him and answered calmly. "We're keeping her to find the real Vee. What else? You think we're running a charity, raising a 20-something orphan for fun?"That shut Raymond up until the truth sank in. The DNA samples had been switched, ye

Caleb had treated Sydney that way when she was still naive and uncertain, and he treated her the same now.Yes, once upon a time, she had thought Caleb was the best choice she could make. Unfortunately, that had lasted only a moment, a brief confusion of the heart.Sydney had quickly snapped out of it. She drew a slow breath and interrupted before he could continue, "What was it you wanted to tell me?"If he only meant to fuss over her health, there was no need. She was a doctor and could take care of herself. Also, everyone at Delta Mansion looked after her well.As she spoke, she instinctively stepped back half a pace, her tone and movements both polite yet distant.Caleb's throat tightened. "About what my mother said at the old estate that day… Don't take it seriously. I won't marry Penelope. Syd, what I want now is—"Sydney already knew what he meant to say. Before he could finish, her hand brushed over her belly as she quietly stopped him. "Cal, I'm happy now."Everything w