Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 225

Six years ago, out of nowhere, someone handed the police a complete chain of evidence. At the same time, unseen pressure worked behind the scenes. The case was solved in less than five days. Victor's parents were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Eloise's sharp, icy eyes cut toward him. "And you don't know who sent them to prison, do you?"

Victor froze. "Who?"

"Your dear cousin." Her voice was as cold as her expression. "The one who delivered that evidence and forced the police's hand was Julian. He had already realized something was off about his parents' deaths. He moved out of here to consolidate power in secret."

Julian's methods were ruthless and decisive, leaving the Sterlings no chance to respond. Within three years, he had carved out territory at frightening speed. By the time Eloise grasped what was happening, he controlled more than half of Sterling Corp.

Eloise had held the reins of the Sterling empire for most of her life, but she was forced to step aside.

In theory, she could have refused to abdicate. But if she had, Julian's companies would have quickly swallowed the Sterling family's shares, consuming what was once an untouchable giant.

It seemed she had a choice. In truth, she had none. That was when she realized the nature of the beast they had raised under their own roof.

Victor stared at her, dumbstruck. "It was Julian? How could it be him? My dad was his uncle…"

When the case reopened, Victor had imagined countless possibilities. He thought perhaps one of his father's business rivals had handed over the evidence. But he never imagined it would be Julian.

He was still stammering when Eloise revealed, "Your uncle, Julian's father, was an illegitimate child. Born to another woman."

Victor's mind went completely blank. In that instant, countless old questions fell neatly into place. For years, he had wondered why his grandmother doted on him so much, while Julian's efforts were never enough.

"That's not from my family," Sydney said casually, grabbing her bag and heading out.

Jason stepped out of the driver's seat and opened the rear door. "Ms. Wilson, please."

"Thank you, Jason."

Her palm tightened around her bag. She knew there was no dodging this. Bending slightly, she climbed in.

Inside, Eloise sat with a severe expression, her eyes sharp and cold, her lips pressed into a thin line. Without preamble, her voice cut through the air. "You divorced Caleb?"