Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 89 Sydney didn't bother arguing with Penelope's nonsense. She turned to Dorothy and said, "Grandma, the incident has already been reported to the police. The investigation is still ongoing." "Don't twist the facts!" Penelope's voice rang with righteous indignation, like a mother protecting her child. "Timmy was hurt, and you were the only one there. If it wasn't you, then who? It's been days, and you haven't even visited him. If that's not a guilty conscience, what is?" Sydney was honestly stunned by how warped her logic could be. Dorothy fixed her with a sharp gaze.

Her tone turned severe. "Sydney, is what your sister-in-law said true?" "It's true I was there, but I have no guilty consc-" "That's enough," Dorothy cut in coldly. "Whatever disagreements you may have, the child is innocent. We have guests today, but I want you to reflect overnight in the family hall." The Hampton family hall served two purposes: religious prayers and enforcing discipline. It sat tucked away in a remote corner of the rear courtyard, cold in the winter and stifling in the summer.

It wasn't as extreme as kneeling on gravel, like in the Sterling family, but spending a winter night there nearly guaranteed a fever. Sydney glanced at Caleb. He didn't so much as flinch. She smiled faintly and said, "Grandma, while it's true I was the only one present, I-" She had just started to explain when a change in the atmosphere near the staircase drew everyone's attention. Julian had arrived. The noble Sterling heir was instantly surrounded by a crowd of socialites and VIPs eager for his attention. Tonight, his mood seemed unusually light.

had brought a date. Charlotte Lindstrom, his secretary, stood beside him in perfectly tailored dark evening gown that hugged her figure with understated elegance. Her hand rested lihtly on his arm. 'So Charlotte is his girlfriend...' Sydney thought. 'She is entle and graceful. She truly suits

In the past, some had hinted or speculated but he had never confirmed anything. Only Sydney lowered her gaze. Her expression gave nothing away, her eyes fixed on the floor as if she hadn't heard him. She had stopped trying to guess what Julian was thinking long ago. With the Hampton family on one side

direct. Clearly rattled, Penelope forced a smile. "Mr. Sterling, I was only speculating. I had no intention of accusing Sydney.