Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Sydney confronts Caleb with a newfound resolve, asserting her boundaries regarding her personal space. She firmly declares that he is not allowed in her room, recognizing the tension in the air and the need to navigate the situation delicately. Sydney is aware that provoking Caleb could lead to further complications, so she opts for a strategic approach, hoping to maintain his calm demeanor while planning her escape.

As the conversation unfolds, Caleb is taken aback by Sydney's unexpected assertiveness, which softens his expression and elicits a smile. Seizing the moment, Sydney requests her room key, a gesture that symbolizes her reclaiming control over her situation. This request highlights a ritual instilled in her by Victor, emphasizing her desire for independence and security. Despite the underlying tension between them, Caleb's reaction is surprisingly supportive, as he admires her defiance and ultimately hands over the keys.

With a sense of urgency, Sydney heads upstairs, knowing that time is critical. She is acutely aware of the time difference with Hoseon and is anxious to contact Julian before he becomes unavailable. However, upon entering her room and securing the door, she realizes that her freedom is still compromised by Caleb's surveillance. The chilling realization that she is being watched adds to her anxiety as she attempts to reach out to Julian and Elliot, only to discover that both numbers are out of service.

Panic begins to set in as Sydney grapples with the implications of her friends being unreachable, especially considering Julian's risky business dealings. Just as her anxiety peaks, she receives a call from her friend Agatha, whose warm voice provides a moment of solace amidst her turmoil. This connection brings a flicker of calm to Sydney's overwhelming thoughts, offering her a brief respite as she prepares to share her concerns.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 255** As Sydney spoke, her eyes drifted toward the bodyguards standing sentinel in the courtyard, their imposing figures as unyielding as a fortress wall. A sense of resolve washed over her, hardening her tone like steel. "I'll remain here for the time being. But I want to be clear-you are not stepping foot in my room. Not even once." The tension in the air crackled around them, and Sydney was acutely aware that she needed to tread carefully. Provoking Caleb further would be a mistake she couldn't afford to make.

She needed a different strategy, one that wouldn't escalate the situation. Pushing Caleb now would only serve to worsen his mood, and she couldn't let that happen. Julian must have left some of his men behind in Jouleston. If she could keep Caleb calm and collected, perhaps she could seize an opportunity to slip away. The thought of freedom danced tantalizingly at the edges of her mind, urging her to find a way out. Caleb had come prepared, armed with a list of arguments and justifications, but her unexpected acquiescence caught him off guard.

expression softened, the corners of his mouth lifting into a faint smile that hinted at surprise. "All right. Whatever you say, I'll agree." The moment the words escaped his lips, Sydney seized the opportunity and extended her hand toward him. He blinked in confusion. "What?" "The key," she replied, her voice steady yet quiet, a firm insistence lacing her words. "My room key. Please, hand it over." This was a ritual Victor had instilled in her

she would loop a strand of her hair across the handle. The hair was a silent sentinel, remaining still against the wind but falling away if anyone dared to try the knob. She had followed this routine last night, and when she awoke, the hair was gone, a troubling sign

keys, letting them drop into her palm. "Here. Both copies." "Then I'll head upstairs," she

crucial for Sterling Corp., and his schedule would be packed tight. She needed to reach out before he became unreachable. Caleb's smile remained warm, a flicker of encouragement. "Go on. If you need anything at all, just call me." "Mm." Her nod was instinctive, and she ascended the stairs quickly, her heart racing with both anticipation and anxiety. Once inside her room, she locked the door behind her, the click of the mechanism echoing in the silence. This time, she bypassed the hair and instead inverted a ceramic

back the curtain and glanced down, her gaze locking with that of a guard stationed below. 'So Caleb's trust was merely a façade. He still has me under constant surveillance,' she mused, a bitter taste forming in her mouth. She quickly shut the curtain, her heart racing as she retrieved her phone and dialed the number she knew by heart, the digits

met with the same disheartening result. By now, they should have landed in Malbrosia the previous night. How could both men be unreachable? A gnawing worry began to take root

envy among rivals. Trouble wasn't just possible; it felt imminent. She steadied her breathing, trying to quell the rising tide of anxiety, and was about to redial when her phone lit up with an incoming call. Relief flickered in her