Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 39 Her question was polite, but Sydney knew Caleb too well. Naturally, he would agree. He often made a show of asking for permission when the outcome had already been decided. His concern felt performative-like a neighbor casually asking after dinner, "Have you eaten?" The question didn't matter, and neither did the answer. Sometimes, Sydney thought that kind of superficial care was part of why their marriage lasted as long as three years.

Caleb would say things like, "Remember to take magnesium during your period." If she got caught in the rain, he'd say, "Take a hot shower." If she tripped, he'd tell her, "Be careful next time." But he never prepared the dissolvable magnesium tablet for her. Never brought an umbrella. Never offered to take her to the hospital. His kindness never moved beyond words. As expected, he agreed and reminded her, "Come home early." Sydney nodded. "Okay." Whether she actually came home or not wasn't something he'd bother to consider. Caleb and Penelope walked toward the gate.

you go ahead. I think I left my phone in the car. I'll go grab it." "Okay," he said, frowning slightly. Sydney had never been forgetful. Despite her age, she was always composed and well-organized-more mature than most. Caleb had never had to worry about her. Just as Sydney stepped out of the compound, her phone rang. Tiffany was on her way to pick her up. She had barely hung up when a voice called out, "Sydney!" Penelope approached with a smug smile. "Do you know why Cal came today?" "No,"

"You were just one of many students at Jouleston University. But I'm going to be his protégé." Sydney looked at her. "Didn't Alan take only one final protégé during his years at Jouleston?" "Of course I know that!" Penelope huffed. Everyone knew. That protégé had inherited everything from him-his full legacy,

"Then why do you think he'll choose you?" "Because I'm better than you. And Cal will support me." Penelope's voice brimmed with certainty. "Just watch, Sydney. I'm going to surpass you-bit by bit." To become Alan's protégé was to step into the field already crowned