Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 130

Chapter 130

Sydney was a little surprised.

In the past, she might have been flattered, climbed down from her high horse, and let Caleb coax her. Now, even pretending in front of him felt exhausting.

“Caleb, you really think that just because you cook me a meal, I’m supposed to forget what Penelope did to me that night?” she asked.

She knew that was exactly what he thought. He had already lowered his proud head. What more could she possibly want? Of course she was expected to be sensible and give him an out.

Caleb froze, ready to deny it. Then he realized she was right. Deep down, that was exactly how he thought. And he didn’t see it as wrong.

He frowned, softening his tone. “If you really had been hurt that night, of course I’d be on your side. But weren’t you fine? What do you want from Penny? She just lost her temper.”

“This doesn’t count?” Sydney yanked up her sleeve, exposing the ugly bruise on her arm. Her laugh was cold. “Or would I need to be assaulted before you admit she hurt me?”

Her clear eyes pinned him in place.

Caleb faltered, guilt rising as he stared at the marks on her arm. “Why didn’t you tell me at the hotel?”

“You never asked,” Sydney snapped, her voice flat with irritation. “Did you even ask me?”

“I’m sorry…” Caleb murmured.

“Forget it.” Sydney’s patience was gone. “I’ve got things to do. Go home.”

She opened the door and stepped inside with the painting in her hands. She only meant to drop it off before heading back out.

A shadow loomed behind her. Caleb slid an arm around her waist, coaxing softly, “Alright, Syd, Penny’s already packing to move out. Once she’s gone, you can come home.”

A chill shot through Sydney. She wrenched free, her voice icy. “Mr. Hampton, you still don’t get it? I’m not moving back. Whatever’s between you and Penelope has nothing to do with me.

“I’ll keep being your cover. If the tabloids catch you two again, I’ll even help clear things up. But don’t interfere with my life anymore. Please.”

Caleb’s brows drew tight. This sounded like those society couples who stayed married on paper but lived separate lives. Since when had Sydney started thinking this way?

Without thinking, he blurted, “Sydney, I’ve never thought this way—”

His phone rang, cutting him off.

He glanced at the caller ID, stepped outside, and answered. When he returned, his face was troubled. “Something urgent came up with Bruce. I can’t cook for you tonight. Another time-”

“No need,” Sydney cut him off at once. “Just go. Or you’ll miss the elevator.”

A twinge of panic gripped him. “Don’t be mad, hmm? Everything you just said-I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it.”

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“Mm. I’m not mad.” Sydney’s reply was perfunctory, dismissive,

Whether he heard her or not didn’t matter. By the next holiday at the latest, they wouldn’t even be a couple in

name.

Caleb walked straight to his car.

A sharp honk suddenly blared from the side.

He turned and saw Julian sitting in the back of his Bentley.

The last time they had met at the hotel, things had turned awkward because of Sydney. Still, business was business. They couldn’t avoid each other forever.

Caleb walked over. “What are you doing here?”

Julian smiled easily. “Waiting for someone.”

As a fellow man

b caught the undertone at once. He chuckled. “Waiting for your girlfriend?”

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