Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 131 Julian neither confirmed nor denied, only replying, "And you? Heading out already?" "Something came up," Caleb said. There was no point lying to Julian. They shared too many acquaintances. He admitted plainly, "My nephew's running a high fever. I need to check on him." He offered Julian a cigarette and added, "If you run into Sydney, don't tell her. No need for her to worry." Julian accepted the cigarette, raising a brow in agreement. "Sure." After Sydney set the painting on the entryway cabinet, she waited until the elevator shaft fell quiet before stepping out again.

By then, the building entrance was deserted. The black Bentley was gone. It was not surprising. Julian was never patient. After she stood him up, of course he wouldn't wait. With people lining up to dine with him now, he had no reason to lower himself and linger here for her. Sydney lowered her eyes, ready to head back upstairs, when a familiar Bentley rolled up slowly. Peter jumped out to open the door. "Ms. Wilson, there wasn't a spot earlier, so I had to park a bit farther away." Sydney blinked, startled. Then she caught Julian's glance from inside.

His mood seemed unexpectedly light as he called, "Get in, Ms. Wilson. I'm hungry." Silent and uneasy, she slid into the back seat. Just before, he had sulked. Now his lips curved in the faintest smile. "I ran into Caleb just now," Julian remarked. She hummed. Her tone stayed calm, her mood steady-no disappointment, no anger. Julian remembered Caleb's request and narrowed his eyes slightly. "He went to see his sister-in-law." At the wheel, Peter nearly choked. Hadn't Julian promised not to tell Sydney? Now he'd not only told her but also made it sound blunt. Still, it wasn't wrong.

In a way, it could be considered progress. Julian pressed, "He left in such a hurry his car