Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Penelope felt as if she’d just punched cotton. Nothing landed, nothing hurt Sydney, and the frustration made her stomp her foot.

Her eyes fell on the pendant she had just shoved into her bag, and her panic cased slightly.

Nonetheless, she couldn’t sit and wait for everything to fall apart. That pendant couldn’t be her only card. She needed something else-fast.

Sydney headed for the parking lot. The moment her fingers brushed the pendant in her coat pocket, her heart settled.

The one she had given Penelope was the replica Harold had made. The real pendant, the one her parents had left her, was safely back with her.

Finally, it was where it belonged.

Her mood lifted.

Just as she reached her car, a large hand pressed firmly against the door, stopping her. Broad, long, clean fingers- she didn’t even need to look up to know who it was.

Annoyance prickled at her. She wet her lips. “I already gave the pendant back to Penelope. What more do you

want?

Caleb noted Sydney’s lowered eyes, the refusal to meet his gaze. She was nothing like the girl who once met his eyes with bright, smiling ones.

He didn’t know how they’d drifted so far apart, but one thing was certain: she would always be his wife, and he had the patience to win her back.

His voice stayed gentle, steady. “I didn’t come because of that.”

“I overheard some of what you said to Penelope…” He hesitated. “Did you mean the pendant isn’t actually hers?”

“Yes.” Sydney faced him, firm. “I saw that pendant when I was very young, but it wasn’t on her.”

Caleb’s eyes widened. He grabbed her arm with sudden urgency, his whole body taut. “You’re sure?”

His grip hurt, his emotions raw and unlike anything she’d seen before.

“Of course I’m sure.” She frowned. “Why would I lie to you?”

“I didn’t mean you’re lying…” Caleb softened, aware she had every reason to distrust him. “I just worry you might’ve been mistaken. Most pendants all look alike.”

Even now, he gave Penelope the benefit of the doubt.

Sydney let out a faint, bitter laugh. “Caleb, what exactly are you trying to say?”

His gaze flicked toward the clinic entrance, then darkened as he turned back. “Where did you see it when you were a child?”

“On a friend,” Sydney answered.

WILD Penelope again,

Caleb frowned. “Where exactly?”

“In Brimcrest City,” she said.

The moment the words left her lips, his hand on her arm trembled. His grip was iron-tight, painful, and she couldn’t pull free.

ང་

“Where in Brimcrest City?” he demanded.

“The orphanage on Mt. Pine,” Sydney snapped. “Now let me go.”

Something inside Caleb froze. For a long beat, he didn’t move. His usually steady eyes were unfocused, shaken.

“Caleb?” she prompted.

“Sorry…” He blinked, released her, and asked with a tremor, “Can you tell me your friend’s name?”

“Precious.”