Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 203

Sydney remembered that back in university, she and Tiffany had both been swamped with work. They were ordinary girls with no safety nets and knew that studying was their only path forward. Thus, they poured every spare moment into their books. Since they lived in separate dorms, they usually met only once or twice a week.

Sydney glanced at Tiffany. "Then how did you two break up? When I saw Raymond today, it was obvious he still has feelings for you."

"Because of the gap between us." Tiffany smiled faintly. "His eldest sister handed me a check for two million and told me to end things with him."

Raymond's eldest sister was more than ten years older than him, and in the Hutton family her word carried the weight of their parents'. After climbing the military ranks at remarkable speed, she had grown even more decisive. Whatever she said became law.

"What?" Sydney stared in shock.

Tiffany let out a short laugh. "It's nothing unusual, right? You see it all the time in melodramas."

"No." Sydney shook her head. "I mean, did you refuse the money?"

"Yes." Tiffany exhaled, her voice tinged with regret. "I was too young back then."

She had not yet turned twenty. Although she grew up in a family that prized sons over daughters and had long understood the power of money, her pride at that age seemed more valuable than anything. She could not endure that kind of humiliation.

Tiffany leaned back on the bed, eyes distant. "I was on the verge of tears. I jumped out of my chair and said I'd break up with him. Then, under her look of cold satisfaction, I tore the check to shreds and flung the pieces onto the table."

Later she learned his sister had received another promotion. Tiffany had spent nights sleepless and trembling, convinced the woman would come after her. Someone like that could have ruined her life with a flick of a finger.

Fortunately, it had been nothing more than a false alarm. His sister had probably forgotten her name the moment she walked out the door.

Hearing this, Sydney felt a pang of both amusement and sorrow. "And now? How do you feel about it?"

Agatha's voice bubbled with cheer. "Ah, Syd, are you free tomorrow?"

"I am." Sydney smiled. "If you're free too, I'll come by to pay my New Year's respects."

She had already considered it, but given their relationship, showing up too early felt inappropriate. She didn't want to intrude while Agatha was entertaining family or friends. If Agatha hadn't called tonight, she had planned to call in the morning to ask.

"Wonderful, wonderful!"

Agatha hung up, her face alight with joy.

Beside her, Julian noticed the old woman's unusually delighted expression and arched a brow. "Who were you on the phone with?"