Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 146

Chapter 146

“Who said it was foolproof?” Victor forced the words through clenched teeth.

If Penelope hadn’t sworn it would work, he never would have boarded her sinking ship-let alone paid such a steep price for it.

At that, Penelope’s guilt stirred. She already knew from Caleb what had happened: Julian had ruined Victor. She had been avoiding Victor these past few days, hoping to escape the fallout, but the fire had spread. Now he was holding her responsible.

Her scalp still burned where he had yanked her hair, but her thoughts spun.

Scowling, she muttered, “How was I supposed to know Mr. Sterling would show up that day? You can’t pin that on me…”

Then something clicked. Her tone hardened. “If you want to blame someone, blame Sydney. She’s the real culprit.”

She jerked her chin toward Sydney’s car with a sinister smirk. “You’re the one who got crippled, but she walked away without a scratch. Now she’s out there flaunting her looks, stringing men along.”

In the distance, Marcus climbed into Sydney’s car. The two of them were off to celebrate their mentor’s birthday.

“Shut up!” Victor barked, smacking Penelope across the face. “Don’t think I don’t see through you. You want me to clear the way so you can take Mrs. Hampton’s place, don’t you?”

He didn’t hold back. The smacks stung like open-handed slaps.

Penelope hissed at the pain. “I’m just saying it’s not fair to you. After everything you’ve sacrificed for her, she doesn’t even care. If you want my advice, ruin that pretty face of hers. Then she’ll have no choice but to stay with you.”

Victor let out a cold laugh. It was rare to encounter such a venomous woman.

Grabbing her chin, he snarled, “Jealous of her, huh? You should be. Even one of her toes is worth more than your entire face.”

‘Those delicate, rosy toes…’ He had dreamed a thousand times of having them pressed against him.

For the first time, Penelope realized Victor’s obsession with Sydney went beyond physical desire. It was twisted, bordering on deranged.

His insult still stung, but she swallowed it down. She couldn’t risk pushing the Sterling heir too far.

Forcing a smile, she changed tactics. “If you really want Sydney to crawl into your bed willingly, there might be another way.”

“What did you just say?” Victor demanded.

“Mr. Sterling, we don’t have to force it this time.” She leaned close and whispered her scheme into his ear.

“You sure about this?” His tone dripped with menace. “Penelope, if you screw me again and I end up in another mess, I may not have Julian’s power, but don’t forget-I can still kill you.”

Sydney and Marcus arrived at Alan’s home, where Alan and Eliana had lunch nearly ready. The main dishes simmered on the stove while Eliana tossed together a couple of sides.

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Sydney set down the gift bag and beamed as she slipped into the kitchen. “Happy birthday, Alan! May we celebrate. you like this for many years to come,”

Eliana chuckled as she sprinkled seasoning. “Celebrate him like this for years to come? At his age, he’d practically be a monster by then.”

Alan bristled in mock offense. “And what if I want to be a monster? Then you’d better stick around to be one with

me.”

Marcus laughed. “We haven’t even sat down to eat yet, and you’re already force-feeding us PDA.”

“Showing off is his favorite hobby,” Sydney teased as she washed her hands to help Eliana.

She wasn’t much of a cook, but she was quick enough to pass along whatever seasonings were needed.

The air was warm and lively, thick with the scent of food and the comfort of family.

At the table, Marcus uncorked a bottle of red wine he had brought, and everyone drank a little. After the meal, Alan set out a chessboard and pulled Marcus into a game.

Sydney, tipsy from even a small amount of wine, curled on the couch to watch.

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Eliana poured her a cup of hot tea. “Drink this. Alan asked me to make it for you. It’ll help sober you up.

“Thanks,” Sydney murmured. Her movements were slow and gentle as she accepted the cup, looking docile as a kitten.

S

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Seeing her like that made Eliana’s heart ache. “Johnson’s wife is due with their second. She can’t travel, so we will fly over.”

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