Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 123

Chapter 123

Sydney froze at those words. ‘He had raised and cared for a little girl…’

The memory tugged at something familiar, reminding her of Julian and herself. The only difference was that she still did not understand why Julian had treated her that way back then.

But what struck her more sharply was the first half of Agatha’s sentence. Something about it did not add up.

Wasn’t her grandson’s father supposed to be Agatha’s own son? That was how it was supposed to work.

Agatha noticed her confusion and offered a rueful smile. “My son was never registered under my name. Strictly speaking, I’m not my grandson’s legal grandmother.”

“You’re…” Sydney hesitated, a guess forming, but she chose not to pry and changed the conversation.

Agatha’s smile softened, as if a long-held burden had been lifted. “You’re here because of marital infidelity. I was betrayed before marriage.”

Her voice was light, but the words carried weight. “Back then, the man was powerful, influential. When the child was born, I didn’t even get to hold him before he was taken away and registered under his legitimate wife’s name.

Sydney’s breath caught. Slowly, the pieces fell into place: decades ago, Agatha herself had been “the other woman.

In that era, it had been scandalous. Her grandson’s grandfather had been far worse than Caleb in every way.

Seeing Sydney fall silent, Agatha hurried to reassure her. “Don’t worry. My grandson didn’t inherit that rotten bloodline. Aside from being a little cold, he’s a good man.”

Sydney laughed despite herself. “Are you still trying to set me up with your grandson?”

“Of course.” Agatha’s eyes crinkled with delight as she studied her. “After your clinic shift in a couple of days, do you have the afternoon free? I’ll arrange for you to meet him.”

“Agatha…”

“Just once,” Agatha pressed gently. “If you don’t like him, fine. I’ll never mention it again. All right?”

Agatha truly was a good person. After a moment, Sydney nodded. “Okay. But just one meeting. Nothing more.”

“Deal!” Agatha beamed. Her taciturn grandson might be icy, but his face could make any girl’s heart flutter. She had a feeling Sydney would like him.

They spent the afternoon busy in the kitchen, then shared dinner. The leftover muffins filled half of Sydney’s freezer.

Worried she would tire of a single flavor, Agatha had made three varieties so Sydney could switch it up.

Sydney felt embarrassed. “Agatha, I can’t possibly finish all these. Please, take some home.”

“No need. I can make more anytime.”

Agatha waved her hands, changed her shoes, and bustled out the door, adding, “If you want anything these next few days, just message me. I’ll make it and bring it over.”

For a fleeting moment, Sydney entertained an absurd thought: for a grandmother this wonderful, maybe the grandson wouldn’t be so bad-so long as he wasn’t mute.

1/2

She smacked her head lightly. ‘Ridiculous. Not even close to that point yet.’

On her clinic day, Sydney still wasn’t fully recovered. The fever had broken, but the cough lingered. She masked herself tightly before calling in patients.

Agatha had booked the very first slot. She collected her prescription quickly, worried about holding Sydney up. Dr. Wilson, I’ll head home to prepare. You can come after your shift. I’ll be waiting with dinner.”

She had already sent Sydney her address before leaving Haven the other day.

Sydney smiled faintly. “Alright. I’ll be there.”

A black Bentley with the license plate Jouleston A99999 rolled to a stop at the gates of a garden villa.

Elliot leaned forward with mock gravity. “Mr. Sterling, blessing or curse, it’s a blind date. No dodging it.”