Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157

If what Penelope said was true, at least Precious was still alive.

“Caleb, at this point, I have no reason to lie to you.”

Penelope wasn’t lying. When that little girl had been taken away, everyone assumed she had been adopted by a wealthy family and would live a good life. Only Penelope had lain awake all night, too thrilled to sleep–for it was no blessing. It was a death sentence.

She caught the flash of tension and dread on Caleb’s face. “You must have heard what methods those traffickers use. You can’t bear to divorce Sydney, but you’re willing to let the owner of that pendant die?

“If you divorce Sydney, at worst she becomes a divorced woman. But if you don’t, the pendant’s owner will probably end up a corpse. Maybe she already has.”

“I’ll ask you one more time.” His voice was taut, his eyes drilling into hers. “Are you sure you know which family adopted her?”

“I only know the city.” Penelope did not dare lie. A city was enough. With that, he could narrow the search quickly.

Caleb lowered his gaze for a moment. When he looked up again, his decision was made. “As long as I divorce her and marry you. That’s the deal?”

“Of course.”

As long as she became a daughter–in–law of the Hampton family, she had countless ways to secure that seat for life.

Sydney sat in her car, her mind elsewhere, as darkness crept across the sky. At last, she started the engine and drove back to Haven.

There was still time. She would find a way.

When she parked in front of her building, she checked the clock. There were less than three hours until Alan’s flight landed with Eliana. His network was no weaker than the Hampton family’s. That thought steadied her. She shut off the engine, picked up her bag, and stepped out.

“Syd.” The familiar voice stopped her just as she reached the building.

She turned, belatedly.

Caleb stood by a dark car. He looked calm and composed.

Relief washed over her, and her mind raced as she spoke. “When did you get here? Sorry, I was lost in thought and didn’t see you,”

How could she bring up Tiffany? Knowing Caleb, he would probably help if she asked directly. But she could not gamble, not even a little.

1/2

He lowered his gaze to her. Her hair was damp, her face pale and luminous, eyes wet and uncertain beneath long lashes that cast trembling shadows. He had rarely seen her like this. In that instant, a dangerous illusion stirred within him.

It was as if all he had to do was pull her into his arms and offer warmth and comfort, and she would quietly follow him home–back to being the gentle, accommodating wife of the Hampton family.

Upon seeing her like this, a tight net seemed to close around his chest. Words caught in his throat, stubbornly refusing to form.

While he struggled for phrasing, he shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. “What happened to you? Why are you like this?”

“I…” Sydney had rehearsed her opening. “I need your help with something.”

“Good. I need to talk to you too. You first.”

“No, you first.”

The words left both their mouths simultaneously.

She pressed her lips together. “Go ahead.”

It would be easier to speak after him.

He returned to his car, brought out a clean, soft towel, and carefully began drying her wet hair.

“Syd,” Caleb started. “Let’s get a divorce.”

He said it.