Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 73 Aside from Sydney, had there been other women in Caleb's life too? Caleb's tall frame stilled. That instinctive wariness of his took over, stopping him mid-motion. His eyes darkened, though his voice remained even. "Your nickname. Did you forget it?" "Ah?" Penelope hesitated. Panic flickered in her eyes, before she forced herself to stay composed. "Of course not. It's just... Well, it's been so long since anyone called me that. I didn't react right away." "Really?" "Of course it's true." Her heart pounded in her chest, her eyes slowly turning red.

"After my parents died, who else would've called me that? Cal, it's been 20 years. Isn't it normal if I forgot?" Tears spilled down her cheeks. "You're really going to question me over that?" "How could I? Don't overthink it." Caleb pushed down his unease and gently wiped her tears, his tone soft. " It's late. Go help Timmy get ready for bed." Seeing his expression return to normal, Penelope finally relaxed. "What about you?" "I've got some work to finish. I'll sleep after." Caleb tucked the pendant into his pocket. "The clasp broke just now. I'll have Gordon take it to the jeweler tomorrow.

Once it's fixed, I'll return it to you." He took the fruit platter from her and headed back to his study. As soon as the door closed behind him, he made a call. The warmth had drained from his face. His voice was cool, edged with steel. "Gordon, take a team to Brimcrest. I want every detail of Penny's background confirmed. Leave nothing out. "Right away," Gordon said, then hesitated. "But why now? After all these years? Did something feel off?" "I'm not sure," Caleb replied. "Just check." He hoped he was only imagining things.

other end of the earlier call, Tiffany had heard that last line clearly. Her brows drew together. She never would've guessed that an elegant and refined man like Caleb could be such a shameless scumbag She turned to Sydney, frowning. "Why didn't you

will be ready in four days, tops, There's no reason to involve him anymore." She didn't want to invite any more uncertainty. Things were just fine the way they were. The next day, Sydney met Marcus at the clinic, and they headed to Sterling Corp. together. She had passed by the building countless times over the years but had never stepped inside. She used to go out of her way to avoid it. 1/2 Chapter 73 +15 BONUS If not for that unexpected encounter in Storia, she might have