Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 179

Chapter 179

Caleb remained wary of him. He forced a smile. “You’re overthinking. I just wanted to take her home.”

Julian’s gaze was sharp. “Does she want to?”

Publicly, the Hampton and Sterling families had always been business partners. Privately, the two men had grown up together. Now, with Julian and Sydney reconciled, Julian was something like a brother–in–law to Caleb.

Caleb softened his tone to avoid escalating the tension. “Every couple has quarrels. They fight and make up. It’s not as serious as you think.”

At the words “they fight and make up,” Sydney instinctively glanced at Julian, catching the icy flash in his eyes.

Suddenly, Julian reached out, ruffled her hair, and chuckled. “I don’t care if it’s fighting, making up, or fighting and divorcing. Either way, as long as she doesn’t want to, no one’s taking her from me.”

His usual offhanded drawl carried a steely authority that brooked no challenge.

Inside, the others had overheard the tension and approached.

Raymond immediately sensed the sharp edge between the two men. He patted Caleb’s shoulder. “If Syd doesn’t want to move back, let her stay here. Wait until she’s willing.”

“Exactly,” Bruce added.

Although he was Caleb’s friend, he had witnessed firsthand how Sydney had been treated before.

“Cal, frost doesn’t build up overnight. If you really want her to come back with you, it has to be her choice. And with Jules watching over her, it’s not like some other man will get a chance.”

Caleb studied Sydney in silence for a long moment. Reflecting on Bruce’s words, he grudgingly admitted they had a point. If Marcus ever tried to approach her, Julian would be the barrier.

Finally, he sighed. “Fine. Once your anger cools, you can come back anytime.”

He glanced at Julian again, uneasy. “I’ll trouble you to take care of her for now.”

Julian’s eyes flicked toward Sydney. His tone was lazy, almost teasing. “Wouldn’t call it trouble.”

“All right then.” Raymond checked his watch and waved at the others. “It’s late. Let’s head out. I’ve got to rush back to Brimcrest tonight.”

The Hutton family’s rules were strict. Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve, and everyone was expected to be at home early.

Once the group entered the elevator, Raymond hesitated, then turned back to Sydney. “Didn’t see Tiffany today. Where is she?”

“She’s…” Sydney looked to Julian. Seeing him nod, she answered honestly, “She went home for the New Year.”

Raymond frowned slightly, then he gave a small nod. “All right. Thanks.”

1/2

The elevator doors closed, leaving the hallway quiet.

Sydney exhaled slowly, then asked, “Julian, is there something between Raymond and Tiff?”

She had sensed it the day she picked Tiffany up from the police station, but Tiffany had been too ill to talk, and Sydney had held back.

Julian raised an eyebrow. “You want to know?”

“Yes.”

“Go shower first.” He tugged her back inside, steering her toward the master bathroom.

Sydney’s scalp tingled. Her period had just ended. Instinctively, the doctor in her asked, “Did you prepare protection?”

Julian looked momentarily caught off guard, even choking slightly. He covered his lips with a fist and coughed, though he did not stop walking. His dark eyes returned to her. “What protection?”

“Condoms.”