Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 650

Sydney froze, uncertain how to respond.

Florence had never meant to conceal the truth. She had only been considering how to explain it gently. She had not expected Raymond to state it so bluntly.

Florence quickly clasped Sydney's hand. "Sydney, we truly didn't know about this. My father-in-law has already stripped him of all his positions and sent him back to Brimcrest.”

Sydney felt the warmth of Florence's palm. There was no perfunctory tone and no attempt at an excuse, only sincerity.

The faint ache in her chest eased. After all, she was not close to Theodore. It was hardly surprising that he favored the daughter he had raised for more than 20 years.

She offered a small smile, smoothing things over out of courtesy rather than conviction. "Mr. Hutton has shared a father- daughter bond with Megan for many years. A moment of softheartedness is understandable."

There was no need to make Florence and the others uncomfortable. Nor did she have the standing, on Hutton family ground, to condemn a member of their family in front of them.

offspring, she knew exactly who belonged to

grew uneven as she tightened her grip on Sydney's hand. "He's

ago, she and Theodore had been the envy of many. Their families were well matched, and their affection had seemed deep. Even now, outsiders regarded them as a model

the day their youngest daughter disappeared more than

long

Raymond. "We're feeling

up far from home yet had somehow

lighter tone. "That's why I came clean on my own. I was hoping

If anyone's

gave a soft laugh. "Let me begin your mother's

did not want to linger on the subject, James followed her

down on the acupuncture bed, James turned to Sydney. "Thank you. I'll wait outside. Call me

“Okay.”

She smiled gently.