Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 520 When the call ended, Sydney turned and saw Julian standing quietly under the eaves, hands in his pockets. What surprised her most was that, even though he clearly knew she was talking to Caleb, he hadn't tried to eavesdrop. He just stood there, watching from a distance. She had expected him to be clingy and hover the moment she picked up the phone, but he hadn't. Although she never admitted it aloud, part of her almost wished he had. She didn't mind when he meddled. If anything, she liked it. It reminded her of their younger days, when he used to insert himself into everything.

He had intercepted every love letter meant for her. She had never opened a single one or even seen what they said-he had destroyed them all before they reached her. That was when she first realized she felt something for her "brother" that wasn't very sisterly. Because when he did those things, she couldn't get angry. She'd be secretly thrilled by the thought that maybe, just maybe, he cared. Back then, Julian would always wear that serious expression, frowning down at her like an old-fashioned guardian. "You're still a kid, Precious. Those boys are up to no good. Listen to your brother.

a child, as if she really were nothing more than his little sister. Now, before Sydney could walk over, Julian spoke first, his tone smooth and casual. "Done with the call? Grandma's already gone inside. Let's eat." He sounded completely indifferent, as though he didn't care at all what she and Caleb had discussed. 'Fake composure,' she thought. Sydney raised a brow with a teasing smile. "Don't bother pretending. Your face is already saying six words."

quite hide that flicker of jealousy. After all, what man could stay indifferent toward a rival? Sydney looked at

the part about Caleb wanting to bring cookies. There was no need to mention that and irritate him for nothing. 1/2 To her surprise, Julian didn't object. "Want me to accompany you?" "No need." He was busy enough already, and she didn't want to take up his work hours. "You don't have to come home at noon just to eat with me, either," she added lightly. "Dinner's enough." "Can't. I've got a dinner meeting tonight," he said with