Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 525 Sydney hadn't expected Julian to reveal his connection or lack of one with Eloise so suddenly. For a moment, she was too stunned to react. Before she could speak, Julian slipped an arm around her waist and led her straight out of the Hampton estate. Inside, the guests they left behind were still reeling, their thoughts spinning. It took several seconds before anyone found the courage to speak. "Wait! What does that even mean?" one of the women blurted out. "I thought Julian's father was Madam Steerling's eldest son.

If there's no blood relation to her, does that mean she was the mistress who took over the household?" The logic was simple, but the implications were explosive. Iris voiced what everyone was thinking, half in disbelief. If that were true, then the fact that Julian would still hold a funeral for her was already more kindness than she deserved. Adeline's head buzzed with humiliation. The moment she heard that comment, she snapped, "Who knows if what he said is even true? That man's capable of saying anything!" But the others weren't convinced. "Come on," one murmured.

"Who would lie about something like that? He's been in charge for years and never once caused a scene with her. Honestly, he doesn't seem nearly as cold or ruthless as people say." "Exactly," Iris said eagerly, "You can tell from how fiercely he protects Sydney. A man like that can't be bad." Their tone had shifted completely. For all their years steeped in vanity and politics, they still recognized genuine loyalty when they saw it. A powerful man defending his woman so openly that was rare enough to admire. Listening to them heap praise on him, Adeline was so angry she could barely breathe.

family now? If that happened, after everything she'd done to offend her, how would Sydney treat her then? And those same socialites who mocked her today would waste no time turning their smiles toward Sydney, leaving Adeline alone. Upstairs, Caleb's panic ran deeper. His hand gripped the railing until it trembled. 'So

feeling well and ended the flower-arranging gathering early. Once everyone had left, Timothy, standing near the stairs, spotted a figure in the shadows. "Uncle Caleb!" he called, eyes bright. Dorothy followed his gaze and saw Caleb standing partway down