Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 115 "I don't let things slide even if I'm wrong." Julian's tone was mocking, yet each word landed with precision. "Tell me, why should I let someone off when I'm the one in the right?" The world had long called him an arrogant king of the underworld. Caleb hadn't expected him to be this ruthless-so ruthless that even their old brotherhood meant nothing. The standoff's tension thickened. Caleb shifted his gaze to the bedroom door. "Why don't we let Syd decide?" Inside, Sydney's hand rested on the doorknob. She had heard everything.

A faint, cold smile touched her lips as she opened the door and stepped out. Julian's expression eased slightly when he saw her. He ground out his cigarette, ready to beckon her closer, but she met his gaze and said quietly, flatly, "Let's just drop it." His brows snapped together. "What did you say?" His voice sounded calm as still water, yet his tone made her blood run cold. Her hands trembled, her face paling with each second. "I said, let it go." "Are you sure about that?" His relentless dark eyes pinned her. Her lashes quivered as she lowered her gaze.

rose. His eyes stayed fixed on her so long that she almost crumpled under their weight. Finally, he spat the words, slow and dismissive. "Then don't ever think anyone owes you a damn thing again. You asked for every mess you end up in." He strode out, and his men followed without a word. Raymond had not expected it to end like this. He placed a small vial of medicine on the table. "Take one more dose

She had met Raymond before and knew that among Julian's so-called friends, he was the closest. Yet he rarely came to the Sterling estate, especially while she still lived there. After he left, Sydney closed her eyes, drew a long breath, and waited for her strength to return. Then she prepared to leave. Caleb stepped forward,

but Adeline's repeated phone calls had jolted her awake. On the line, Adeline had tried every tactic-soft words, threats-warning her not to escalate. "Penny still carries the Hampton name. She's Timothy's birth mother. She can't afford scandal." Then came the threat: if Sydney caused trouble, Adeline would tell Eloise her divorce was finalized. It was almost laughable. She had nearly been defiled, yet she was the one