Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 153

There was no hint of surprise in Sydney’s eyes.

Caleb held her gaze. “Once I finish this, I’ll come help you move back.”

Without Penelope in the way, she would likely agree to return. He did not wait for Sydney’s reply. His car roared off, tires hissing against the wet asphalt. He was in a rush, just as he always had been when dropping everything to run to Penelope.

Sydney felt nothing–no surprise or disappointment. She drove straight to the lab and immersed herself in work.

Perhaps Charlotte’s scolding last time had made an impact. The two male colleagues in the medicine group, who had long looked down on her, had become unexpectedly cooperative over the past few days. Their newfound teamwork accelerated research progress.

That afternoon, for the first time in a while, Sydney did not stay late in the lab. She went shopping instead and picked up a variety of specialty goods.

The next morning, before dawn, she collected Alan and Eliana and drove them to the airport.

With the New Year approaching, the roads were packed. Traffic crawled over the overpass, and only after a long wait did she manage to drop them at the terminal.

Just as she started the engine to leave, her phone rang. “Hello?”

“Hello, this is the Jouleston Police Department. You are Tiffany Voss‘ emergency contact, correct?” The voice was clipped and official.

At the sound of Tiffany’s name, Sydney’s heart sank. “Yes, I am.”

Tiffany’s family had always favored sons over daughters. When she was admitted to Jouleston University, they forbade her enrollment, insisting the money would be better spent on her brother’s wedding. She had been expected to start working immediately and save for his house.

All these years, except for New Year’s, Tiffany had barely spoken to her family. Sydney had long served as her only emergency contact.

“She is suspected of instigating a witness to commit perjury. She is in custody. Please bring her clothes and personal items as soon as possible.”

Sydney went momentarily blank and replied instinctively, “Understood. I’ll come right away.”

Rain drizzled against the windshield as the white SUV sliced through the streets, leaving long streaks of water behind.

At home, Sydney packed a bag and called the Hampton estate. The housekeeper answered.

“George, it’s Sydney. Is my mother–in–law home?” she asked.

A brief pause followed before Adeline’s cold voice replaced his. “What is it?”

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Sydney folded clothes into a suitcase and forced herself to speak. “My friend is in trouble. Could I trouble you to find out exactly what happened?”

Sydney knew Tiffany better than anyone. She would never instigate false testimony. Over the years, Sydney had learned how twisted these cases could become. Ordinary people saw only fragments. Connections were the only way to get the full picture. She needed answers before deciding her next move.

Adeline sneered, “Sydney, so you finally know how to speak humbly? When you demanded a million from me, that was not the tone you used.”

Sydney’s nails dug into her palm. For the first time, she regretted her past defiance. How had she dared clash head–on with Adeline?

The thought of Tiffany trapped, helpless and desperate, drew a shaky breath from her. “I was reckless, blinded by greed. Please do not hold it against me.”

“Too late.” Adeline’s laugh was sharp and cutting. “Sydney, I always said you were clever. You acted sweet and obedient for years just to marry into our family. But you are truly foolish. How dare you burn bridges with me when you had nothing to rely on?”

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