Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101

Sydney smiled lightly as she took the dish from his hands. “Thanks, Marc.”

She had always known Marcus could cook. Back when they sometimes visited their mentor together, he often took charge in the kitchen as the younger protege. Tonight, he had prepared a full spread of six dishes, each perfectly cooked, fragrant, and appetizing.

Tiffany had even gone out of her way to bring a bottle of red wine. She poured for each of them, smiling. “Cheers! To our Sydney. May you live free, bold, and truer to yourself than ever!”

Sentimental theatrics were the one thing Sydney could not stand. It took all her willpower not to tear up. She raised her glass and clinked it with theirs. “Alright. Cheers to my freedom.”

‘Freedom…’ Even as a child, in her dreams, that was all she had ever wanted.

She had already eaten once at the restaurant, yet now she found herself eating heartily again. Perhaps freedom tasted too good to resist.

After the meal, Marcus moved to help with cleanup.

Sydney shook her head. “Marc, you already cooked for us. That’s enough trouble. Leave the mess to us. I’ll walk you down.”

“Alright.” Marcus did not argue. He had expected drinks and had not driven, so there was no need for a driver.

Although Sydney had not drunk much, each step felt slightly floaty. She steadied herself as she walked Marcus to the neighborhood gates.

Marcus had long known of her low alcohol tolerance, but this was an upscale neighborhood with good security, so there was little to worry about. He slowed his pace and glanced down at her. “I’ll wait for my car here. You should head back upstairs and rest.”

“No,” Sydney insisted, swaying slightly. “I have to show proper hospitality.”

Her porcelain skin glowed with a soft crimson, and the corners of her upturned eyes were tinged red. Marcus’ heart skipped a beat. For a moment, he nearly lost focus.

“Out of the way!”

An electric scooter zipped past, nearly colliding with Sydney. Before she could react, Marcus swept her into his arms.

She blinked, dazed. Even drunk, her first instinct was to steady herself. Looking up at him, she smiled faintly. “Thanks, Marc.”

At the nearby traffic light, Elliot spotted them from a sleek black Bentley, his sharp eyes unblinking. “Mr. Sterling, wasn’t that Ms. Wilson just now?”

Julian lifted his gaze through the rearview mirror, his angular face half-hidden in shadow, impossible to read but radiating a suffocating edge.

With him, even a smile of hers was laced with mockery. But in front of others, she acted so obedient it was almost blinding.

His cold, narrow eyes narrowed further, and his tone turned cutting and commanding. “Turn around.”

“Yes, sir!” Elliot responded instantly.

Obedience was second nature.

Late at night, the roads were clear. Soon, Marcus’ car arrived. Before getting in, he looked warmly at Sydney. His movements were slow, protective, almost like an older brother adjusting her scart. “Sydney, I hope your future is always free and smooth.”

“Okay.” Sydney nodded firmly, though her steps wavered, and she gripped the car door for balance.

1/2

Marcus chuckled, unable to help himself. “Go upstairs, quickly.”

Sydney clung stubbornly to her principles of hospitality. “You’re the guest. You go first.”

Helpless, Marcus got into the car first. With the community’s security guards nearby, she was safe.

Sydney watched the car merge into traffic and finally felt satisfied. She turned on her heel and marched back toward her building.

P