Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 41 Caleb avoided Penelope's gesture and set the box in the empty passenger seat. "She's young and has a sweet tooth," he said. "Aren't you cutting back on sugar?" Penelope stared at him in disbelief. He looked the same-gentle, handsome, composed. But after a long silence, something clicked. Maybe his feelings had changed. He always claimed Sydney was like a sister, but perhaps he'd started falling for her without realizing it. Her nails pressed into her palms. She no longer doubted he had feelings for Sydney.

"Are you always this nice to every friend's little sister?" she asked softly. "She went no contact with Julian to marry me," Caleb said matter-of-factly. "Shouldn't I treat her better?" Back home, Sydney stepped out of a hot shower and was blow-drying her hair when Tiffany walked in, carrying a plate of cherries. She popped one into Sydney's mouth and said, "Spill. What's wrong?" "Huh?" "You didn't look that upset, but my hawk-eyes say otherwise." Sydney gave a quiet laugh. Life wasn't so bad. Alan and Eliana treated her like family, and Tiffany had always been her rock.

use her as a bridge to help the woman he loved. It wasn't sadness. More like quiet frustration. "That's like a slap in the face. What is Caleb thinking? The divorce isn't even finalized yet. Doesn't that seem

"You sure she's not lying?" Tiffany pressed. "She's not," Sydney said. Adeline came across as calm, but Sydney knew she was sharp-and likely in no hurry for a daughter-in-law. If anything, she probably wanted this over even more than Sydney did. Just then, Tiffany's phone buzzed. She hurried out

She flinched at the caller ID. Her fingers traced shaky lines across her palm before she answered. "Hello? Madam Sterling?" The voice was cold and impatient. "Why didn't you answer sooner?" Sydney spoke softly. "I was showering." "Sydney," Eloise cut in, her voice cool and mocking. "Being a little late is one