Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 206

Eliana had always believed Sydney and Marcus were a perfect match. Who would have thought Sydney would choose Caleb instead?

Not that she could be blamed. The first time Eliana and Alan met Caleb, they too had assumed he was refined and reliable. But, as the saying went, "You can't judge a book by its cover."

After dinner, the group stepped out of the restaurant.

From a distance, Sydney spotted Caleb. He must have just come from a business function. His bespoke suit was sharply tailored, his striking features effortlessly commanding attention. Even standing still, he seemed to belong to a different league entirely.

Caleb noticed her as well.

She wore a soft sky-blue dress, her delicate features relaxed and gentle. Her silky black hair tumbled loosely around her shoulders, lending her an air of quiet grace. In one hand, she carried a wool coat; the other was linked with Eliana's arm.

On her other side, Marcus walked attentively. The corridor thrummed with activity, waiters passing with trays still steaming. Each time someone brushed past, Marcus instinctively shifted to shield her.

And every time, Sydney tilted her head up to him with a soft smile.

From where Caleb stood, he could not hear their words. Yet from the outside, they looked like a family of four—one pair like in-laws, the other like a young married couple.

He could not understand it. Sydney was only one of Alan's many students. Why was she so close to them?

One thing was clear: the way she moved around Marcus was entirely different. She was at ease in his presence, something she had never been with him.

The man beside Caleb noticed his distraction and called out. "Mr. Hampton?"

The man followed his gaze and froze. "Mr. Hampton, he looks like Dr. Conton, doesn't he?"

Meanwhile, the man who had been talking with him earlier hurried over. Beaming, he greeted Alan warmly, "Dr. Conton, do you remember me? When you treated Mayor Chandler's father-in-law, I was there."

Alan paused before shaking his head. "I'm sorry, but my memory isn't what it used to be."

"No matter, no matter." The man was unfazed. His gaze slid toward Marcus and Sydney. "Mr. Shepard, this must be your girlfriend, right?"

He caught a faint flicker of a smile on Marcus' lips and immediately jumped in to flatter. "You two are perfect together, truly a pair made in heaven!"

The words barely left his mouth before the air seemed to chill. Alan noticed Caleb's face darken and almost wanted to applaud.

Sydney lifted her gaze. Caleb's expression had turned icy, and before she could explain or stop him from misjudging Marcus, his arm swept possessively around her shoulders.