Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 49 Sydney paused for a moment. She swallowed the swirl of emotions inside her, then looked at Julian and said in a crisp, detached tone, "Then I'll be leaving now. Thank you for earlier, Mr. Sterling." "Ms. Wilson-"Elliot began. Julian's mocking voice echoed. "Enough. Don't embarrass yourself." Sydney brushed her fingers across her palm without thinking, but her steps did not falter as she walked away. Watching the black Maybach fade into the night, Elliot muttered, "That was a total ambush." "What are you mumbling about?" Julian snuffed out his cigarette and slipped into the car.

His silhouette, framed by the harsh winter wind, looked strangely desolate. Elliot climbed into the passenger seat. "Nothing. Just thinking how much slack Ms. Wilson gives Caleb. Every time we run into her, she's clearly still angry at you. "But not at Caleb? That guy cheated on her, never comes back to the estate with her, lets her take all the punishment-" Suddenly, the air inside the car felt heavy, and Elliot shivered. Peter Reyes, driving up front, didn't notice the shift and took over the conversation. "Of course she's lenient. She likes him. Women always forgive the ones they love.

the rearview mirror. "Mr. Sterling, what do you think?" Julian's deep features were cast in shadow beneath the streetlamp. His voice was low and sharp as ice. "When did you get so chatty?" Silence ensued immediately. They hadn't

limbs. She finally looked up at Caleb and was about to speak when he beat her to it. "Are you mad?" "No," Sydney answered honestly. She wasn't mad. She was

on her, watching her downcast lashes and quiet face, "Then what is it? You haven't said a word since getting in." 'You didn't speak to me either,' she thought. Sydney spoke plainly. "I just didn't expect you to show up. That's all." "I thought about it. The Sterling family would probably punish you." Caleb remained gentle and composed, his voice warm. "I