Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 193

Penelope grabbed Sydney's arm. "You're not allowed to leave! Call Caleb right now! Tell him you cheated, that you're divorcing him!"

Sydney was utterly speechless. She was just about to respond when she saw Gordon leading a group of bodyguards rushing toward them.

Caleb was in the middle, his stride sharp and steady, moving with a controlled authority that left no room for hesitation.

Sydney glanced at Penelope, then lifted her chin slightly toward the approaching group. "No need for me to call. He's here."

Penelope turned and saw Caleb's entourage closing in. Fear flickered in her eyes, and she instinctively tried to run.

Gordon, faster and more precise, blocked her escape, his men fanning out to trap her.

Caleb strode up, his face easing slightly when he looked at Sydney. His voice was gentle, almost disarming. "She didn't hurt you, did she?"

"No." Sydney shook her head. "You're here for her, aren't you?"

She realized the phone call Caleb had received in the car earlier must have been about Penelope—the runaway.

Caleb's eyes flickered, but he did not deny it.

Sydney nodded. "Then you two talk. I'm going home."

Penelope panicked. Ignoring Gordon's firm restraint, she lunged toward Sydney. "Sydney! Sydney! Save me! He's taking me back! If I go, I'll die!"

Sydney acted as if she hadn't heard a word and stepped into the apartment building. She had no interest in entangling herself in their mess. She had never claimed to be a saint.

Penelope had colluded with Victor, nearly ruining Sydney's reputation and even landing Tiffany in detention. And that was not the only time—there had been countless incidents in the past.

Sydney had no intention of playing the merciful savior. Her compassion had limits.

Penelope watched her walk away in disbelief, then turned to Caleb, desperation written across her face. "She left me to die without blinking! Do you still think she's some kind, gentle person?"

The night sky was pitch black. Most villas on the outskirts were merely investment properties. At this late hour, the streets were deserted, the neighborhood eerie.

A line of black luxury cars stopped in perfect synchronization.

Penelope was dragged out of the vehicle and realized with horror that it was the same villa where she had been tormented until she was barely human.

Terror surged through her. She struggled frantically, rushing to Caleb with desperate pleas. "I was wrong, I was wrong! I shouldn't have impersonated her! Please, let me go, alright?"

Caleb's voice was frigid, cutting through her panic. "If I let you go, who will make it right for her?"

If Penelope had not impersonated Precious all these years, the latter might have been found long ago.

At the mention of Sydney, Penelope's teeth clenched with bitter hatred.

"But she's living just fine now!" she blurted.