Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 99 Caleb suddenly turned to her, eyes sharp and unblinking "Also? Who else goes by the nickname Precious?" It wasn't exactly rare. Plenty of kids were called that growing up. Still, the way he was staring made Sydney feel uneasy. She dropped her gaze, hiding her reaction. "No one. Just figured it's a pretty common name." Today had already shown her how far Caleb would go to protect Penelope. If he found out Penelope used to bully her? He'd take her side again. Or worse, he'd let Penelope twist the truth and play the victim. And Sydney wasn't even completely sure. Not yet.

'But this pendant...' She pressed her lips together, then looked up with an innocent expression. "Cal, this pendant is really unique. Can I borrow it for a few days? I have a friend who makes jewelry. I want to get one just like it." Maybe it was guilt over what happened to Timothy. Or maybe he'd always known he owed her more than he could repay. Either way, faced with Sydney's soft, slightly pleading look, Caleb hesitated, then nodded. " Okay." S Still, thinking of how much the pendant meant to Penelope, he added gently, "Just be careful with it, alright?

Don't let it get scratched." "Sure," Sydney said, nodding with rare sincerity. It was one of the few moments in recent memory when she had shown that kind of emotion around him. Even Caleb seemed briefly thrown, as if he'd caught a glimpse of the sweet, obedient girl he used to know. He reached out and patted her head. "Alright. Eat up. See if the food suits your taste." "Okay." This time, Sydney actually meant it. Now that she had found something so important to her again, even the food tasted better. ... After eating, they left the restaurant together.

a while since we went home together." Sydney slid one hand into her coat pocket and rubbed the smooth, warm pendant tucked inside. Her mind was already racing, trying to find a polite, reasonable excuse to turn him down. She'd made her decision the day she moved out of Viridian Garden. No