Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 132 Sydney couldn't read Julian, so she instinctively leaned back. "Mr. Sterling, are you trying to set me up with someone?" "I could." Julian's broad shoulders loomed as he bent closer, nearly engulfing her. His voice was smooth, coaxing. "So, what kind of guy do you want to have fun with?" The earlier words had slipped out before Sydney could stop them. If she backed down now, he would only laugh at her again. Thus, she straightened, put on a serious face, and began listing her requirements. Her ideal used to be someone like Caleb-polished, gentle, a perfect gentleman. Now?

That was exactly the kind of man she despised most. She couldn't define what she wanted, but she knew what she didn't. "Definitely not the polished, gentlemanly type. Basically, the opposite. And someone who wouldn't bow to the Hamptons' influence.' "Ms. Wilson, the opposite of that is domineering, sharp-tongued, and cold." Peter chuckled from the front seat." Sounds like you're describing Mr. Sterling. He's the only one in this city who doesn't care about the Hamptons' power." Sydney froze. Her mind went blank. Peter wasn't wrong. Wasn't that the same as reading Julian's ID number aloud?

opened her mouth to explain, but his low, teasing voice cut her off. "Not only

thinking? Even if I dared to go for something taboo, I would never dare try it with you!" She didn't dare. The corner of Julian's mouth curved almost imperceptibly before he slipped back into his usual cold detachment. " There's no shortage of people lining up to have fun with me. You can wait your turn." Sydney hadn't expected such arrogance. Embarrassment prickled across her skin, and she wished she could sink through the floor. She turned quickly, seizing on

out of the car, the cold wind cooled her burning face, and she finally felt she could breathe again. Julian had brought her to one of the city's most famous restaurants. Its reputation came less from flavor than from exclusivity and price. Dining here was a status symbol. Ordinary people couldn't even book a table without waiting months. The last time she'd been here was also with Julian, on his twentieth birthday. She had emptied her savings to treat him and