Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 522 Caleb had known Sydney long enough to understand her temperament. She was gentle, cautious, and always careful to keep her head down. Thus, he truly couldn't fathom when she had become someone who seized the moment so boldly. The last time they'd spoken, she had said Eloise's grudges couldn't be blamed on Julian. He had thought that was her limit. But now she had calmly and openly acknowledged her relationship with him. Had she not considered what that meant? That Julian would never allow her to seek revenge against his family?

Or had she thought it through and simply decided she didn't care? Did she love Julian so deeply that even knowing it might not last, she still wanted the world to know? Because when she had been with Caleb, when she was still his wife, she had never once introduced him to anyone as her husband. Never once claimed him as hers in front of others. Caleb couldn't help wondering if she had ever loved him even a little. Maybe that marriage had never been about love. Maybe it had only been a polished facade, a convenient shield that kept her safe from the Sterling family's ruthless schemes.

The thought twisted his lips into a bitter smile. Meanwhile, Sydney stayed focused on taking Dorothy's pulse and writing her prescription, not sparing him a single glance. Dorothy could read her grandson's thoughts easily. "Cal, go upstairs to the collection room and bring down that bracelet-your great-grandmother's heirloom." "Alright." He stood immediately, grateful for the excuse to leave. He knew he shouldn't stay. Dorothy could sense his unease, and Sydney likely could too. If he lingered, it would only make things worse. Sydney's mind, however, was entirely on her work.

firm ways to object. As for Caleb, his attention had been all on Penelope back then. He had never once spoken up for Sydney. When Sydney finished writing, she handed the prescription to Dorothy with gentle

not to wait any longer. Just as she rose to leave, a sudden commotion sounded from the courtyard. Several elegantly dressed women, each around Adeline's age, swept in with laughter and polished small talk. Their words were