Lahat ng Kabanata ng Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Kabanata 71 - Kabanata 80

Those two words—Divorce him—coming from Julian's mouth didn't surprise Sydney in the least. He had said the same thing years ago, back when she insisted on marrying Caleb.Julian had always lived in a world above the clouds, unable to understand that, for someone like her, marrying Caleb had once been the best outcome she could hope for. He had no idea that divorce wasn't some casual, throwaway decision.If Caleb wanted to leave and she resisted, he would still find a way. Whether through tactics, pressure, or even signing the papers behind her back, he had all the means.But her? If the Hampton family refused and Caleb didn't agree, she would be trapped in that marriage for life.Years in the Sterling family had taught Sydney just how powerless ordinary people were in the face of real influence.She didn't bother explaining. Instead, she smiled faintly, her dimples showing as she answered gently, "But I don't want to let go of him."The same old lovesick act.Julian's face dark

Aside from Sydney, had there been other women in Caleb's life too?Caleb's tall frame stilled. That instinctive wariness of his took over, stopping him mid-motion. His eyes darkened, though his voice remained even. "Your nickname. Did you forget it?""Ah?" Penelope hesitated. Panic flickered in her eyes, before she forced herself to stay composed. "Of course not. It's just... Well, it's been so long since anyone called me that. I didn't react right away.""Really?""Of course it's true." Her heart pounded in her chest, her eyes slowly turning red. "After my parents died, who else would've called me that? Cal, it's been 20 years. Isn't it normal if I forgot?"Tears spilled down her cheeks. "You're really going to question me over that?""How could I? Don't overthink it." Caleb pushed down his unease and gently wiped her tears, his tone soft. "It's late. Go help Timmy get ready for bed."Seeing his expression return to normal, Penelope finally relaxed. "What about you?""I've got

It was as if the private room emptied in an instant. The silence that followed was sharp enough to hear a pin drop.Sydney rarely felt awkward, but this was a professional setting, and Julian was her most important client. She reminded herself to keep things strictly business.A moment later, she composed herself and said, "Mr. Sterling, you must be joking."She stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind her.After only a few steps, she noticed something odd. The only empty chair was at Julian's left. The servers had cleared out every other seat.In the tight space, she glanced up and found Julian leaning back, watching her. His long fingers tapped the table in a steady rhythm, his gaze cool. "Still afraid of me, I see."Sydney resisted the urge to turn and walk out. Gathering herself, she stepped closer to his side. "Mr. Sterling, I guess your reputation at Sterling Corp. isn't exactly stellar, or people wouldn't react like that.""You're quite perceptive." He didn't seem

Once again, Sydney's most humiliating secrets lay bare before Julian. No matter how she heard it, she caught the mocking edge in his tone.Without thinking, she snapped back sharply, "Who said Caleb and I are living separately? Mr. Sterling, you're single. You wouldn't understand. Sometimes sleeping in different places helps couples keep things fresh."Julian raised a brow, clearly amused by her prickly stance. "Is that so?"He tilted his head slightly, his tone cold and detached. "Since when do couples 'strengthen their bond' by bringing a best friend along?"The alcohol still clouded her mind. Sydney blinked, confused. "What?""Tiffany called earlier," Julian said smoothly, savoring her reaction. "She asked why you weren't home yet."Sydney clenched her palm, realizing there was no point pretending anymore.'Fine. Let it all fall apart,' she thought."Yes, we are living apart," she said bluntly. "My marriage is exactly what the rumors say. It's a complete mess."She stared a

Sydney acted as if she hadn't heard a word, her cold gaze fixed on the silver acupuncture set in the boy's hand. "Give it back. Now."Alan had passed down a prestigious, centuries-old acupuncture technique, one taught to only a single protégé per generation. At 13, Sydney had already been chosen to inherit it. Even Marcus had never been granted access.The silver needles had been a gift from Alan when she began her training. To her, they were priceless—both in sentiment and significance."I won't! I want to piss you off!" The angrier she got, the more gleeful Timothy became. He yanked the needles from their case and flung them across the floor, stomping on them with both feet like a lunatic.Sydney grabbed him by the collar and hauled him out of the consultation room. Her face darkened as she pinched his pudgy cheeks, her cold, sharp gaze locking onto his."If you come into my office again, I'll jab every one of those needles into your head. Got it?" she said slowly. "I'll turn yo