Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 69 Sydney watched Caleb's entitled demeanor and couldn't help but chuckle.

How had she never noticed his hypocrisy before?

With only four days until the divorce was final, she lacked the energy to argue.

She switched to "deal with the Sterling family" mode, polite but distant, and said earnestly, "Yes, don't overthink it.

Marcus and I are nothing more than friends." It was a line from a well-rehearsed script that she had learned well.

Caleb's eyes softened as he ruffled her hair gently, cooing like a parent, "I trust you, of course." For years, that had been his way to comfort her, especially when she had meltdowns with Julian and no one else defended her; Caleb always stepped in.

She was still figuring out how to escape politely as she started the car when her phone rang.

Marcus' name appeared on the screen, and the call connected through the car's Bluetooth.

"Syd, dinner at the usual place.

Can you make it by seven?" Relief washed over her, and she agreed immediately, saying, "Yes, I'll be there." Hearing her quick response, Marcus teased warmly, "You can bring someone, too.

Tiffany's off tonight.

If she's free, bring her along." Just then, Caleb spoke softly, "Mr.

Shepard, I'll go with her." Marcus, familiar with Caleb, caught the cool formality in his tone but replied with hospitality, "Of course you're welcome." Sydney quietly asked Caleb, "Are you sure you want to go?" "Can't I?" A faint frown crossed Caleb's face.

"Worried you'll feel uncomfortable with your senior around?" Men understood men.

the parking lot

hopeful, masking her chill with

about you."

me?" She dropped the subject and drove straight to

others were

pushed open the door, the room fell silent, not because of her arrival but because Caleb stood quietly at her

Even Penelope froze.

to check Caleb's availability, and he had said he wasn't free, yet here

furrowed as he watched

was dinner with

with my colleagues." Chapter 70 Sydney watched Caleb's

never noticed

days until the divorce was final, she lacked

the Sterling family" mode, polite but distant, and said earnestly, "Yes, don't

nothing more than friends." It was a line from a well-rehearsed

trust you, of course." For years, that had been his way to comfort her, especially when she had

was still figuring out how to escape politely as she started the car when her phone

appeared on the screen, and the call connected through the

at the

she agreed immediately, saying, "Yes,