Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 218

Sydney had not expected Charlotte to visit her for this reason. Nonetheless, her expression stayed calm. "Whatever you think you saw, there's no reason to come to me."

The one Charlotte should confront was Julian, and she knew it. A man like him would never tolerate being pestered. Charlotte had seen him dismiss woman after woman with cold indifference, from graceful heiresses to skilled seductresses, and even herself.

She understood perfectly well that if Julian ever became "entangled" with someone, it was only because he allowed it. No one could force him.

Charlotte exhaled quietly and looked at Sydney. "I only came because I had no other choice."

Naturally, she hoped that Julian would end things with Sydney of his own accord, but that was impossible.

Sydney leaned back in her chair and asked bluntly, "So what exactly do you expect me to do?"

"Stay away from him. Best if you cut things off completely." Charlotte didn't hesitate. She had settled on this answer long before arriving. It was her sole purpose in coming. If Sydney left Julian, Charlotte would finally have a chance to marry him.

After so many years of engagement and several more working as his secretary, her feelings had only deepened. Letting go was no longer an option.

Sydney smiled faintly, her gaze cool. "And in what capacity are you making this demand?"

Surprise flickered across Charlotte's eyes. She had assumed Sydney would comply without protest. In her mind, Sydney was meek, timid, and easy to pressure. She had not expected such sharp words.

Charlotte clenched her palm. "I am betrothed to Julian. The way things are between you and him can only end badly."

"Does he acknowledge it?" Sydney asked evenly.

Charlotte said nothing.

If money was all it took, she would cover the cost—whatever it was. Her family might not rival Julian's, but the Lindstroms were still influential. Even if she couldn't pay alone, her parents would help for the chance to see her marry him.

"Six billion," Sydney said flatly.

Charlotte froze, almost thinking she had misheard. "How much did you say?"

"Six billion dollars. Cash."

The number stunned more than Charlotte.

When Sydney had first seen it in the contract, she had been shocked as well. But she had no choice—she had needed to save Tiffany. Besides, she had assumed Julian's interest wouldn't last long anyway.