Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 164

Chapter 164

Sydney denied it without hesitation. She had no way of knowing how long Julian’s fleeting interest would last. For all she knew, he could tell her to leave in a few days. There was no reason to say anything that might make Tiffany worry.

She changed the topic. “Will this affect your job?”

“No.” Tiffany shook her head, then added, “You know, Julian might seem cold and ruthless, but he’s meticulous when handling things. He already had Sterling Corp.’s lawyer call my boss and make it clear this was just his cousin stirring up trouble, nothing to do with me.”

In business, everyone was shrewd. That call had not only cleared her name but also implied a subtle connection to the Sterling family. When she got her phone back from the police, her partners practically tumbled over themselves with concern, all but asking outright what her relationship with Julian was.

Back at their building, they ran into a familiar face as they stepped out of the elevator.

Raymond had just come from Julian’s place. The gold–rimmed glasses softened the edge in his gaze. “Are you alright?”

The question was clearly not for Sydney.

Sydney blinked, caught off guard. Since when were the two of them familiar?

Tiffany’s tone was cool. “I’m fine.”

She tugged Sydney along, ready to pass by. But as they brushed shoulders, Raymond suddenly lifted his arm and pressed his palm to Tiffany’s forehead. The touch stopped her in her tracks.

His hand was as cool as ever. He frowned and glanced at Sydney. “She’s running at least 38 degrees.”

“Yeah.” Sydney had already noticed in the car that Tiffany must have caught a chill at the station last night.” Once we’re home, I’ll give her some medicine.”

The house was always stocked with basics. It would be enough for a simple cold.

Surprisingly, Raymond wasn’t about to let them leave so easily. Or rather, he wasn’t about to let Tiffany go.

Only then did Sydney realize there was something between them she didn’t know.

At that moment, the door behind them clicked open. Julian had changed into a tailored suit. He tilted his chin toward her and commanded, “Come here.”

The tone was like summoning a dog or Yoyo. But Sydney had already accepted his help. She knew her place. A mistress did not argue,

Her gaze flicked between Tiffany and Raymond, catching the faint current between them. Sensible enough, she obeyed.

Before stepping inside, she told Tiffany, “Call me when you’re done talking.”

1/2

The door shut, and the elevator turned quiet again. Tiffany stepped back, her reflection in the gleaming doors a picture of dishevelment. The man beside her remained unshakably composed, all elegance and calm.

Raymond spoke first. “Did it scare you?”

He meant the ordeal.

Tiffany smiled faintly. “No.”

She had never been afraid. She had known Sydney would find a way.

Raymond had never encountered that kind of resolute conversation with anyone else. He studied her, and his frown deepened. “Still keeping everyone at arm’s length?”

Tiffany had not slept, and her fever pulled her down. Her body felt heavy and her mind was foggy, yet she looked at him and asked almost without thinking, “Can you marry me?”

The flash of surprise on his face told her everything. She had known the answer for three years.

Men of his class might toy with a girl from the city’s edge, but marry her? Never. Otherwise, their ancestors would be rattling in their coffins.