Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

There was no hint of surprise in Sydney's eyes . Caleb held her gaze . " Once I finish this , I'll come help you move back . " Without Penelope in the way , she would likely agree to return . He did not wait for Sydney's reply . His car roared off , tires hissing against the wet asphalt . He was in a rush , just as he always had been when dropping everything to run to Penelope . Sydney felt nothing - no surprise or disappointment . She drove straight to the lab and immersed herself in work . Perhaps Charlotte's scolding last time had made an impact .

The two male colleagues in the medicine group , who had long looked down on her , had become unexpectedly cooperative over the past few days . Their newfound teamwork accelerated research progress . That afternoon , for the first time in a while , Sydney did not stay late in the lab . She went shopping instead and picked up a variety of specialty goods . The next morning , before dawn , she collected Alan and Eliana and drove them to the airport . With the New Year approaching , the roads were packed .

? " " Hello , this is the Jouleston Police Department . You are Tiffany Voss ' emergency contact , correct ? " The voice was clipped and official . At the sound of Tiffany's name , Sydney's heart sank . " Yes ,

All these years , except for New Year's , Tiffany had barely spoken to her family . Sydney

At home , Sydney packed a bag and called the Hampton estate . The housekeeper answered . " George , it's Sydney . Is my mother - in - law home ? " she asked . A brief pause followed before Adeline's cold voice replaced his . " What is it ? " 1/2