Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 226

Sydney had no idea how the news could have reached Eloise so quickly, but she did not rush to respond. She lowered her gaze and asked calmly, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Eloise studied her expression. The young woman's attitude said enough. "All the better, then."

"What do you mean?" Sydney asked.

Eloise flicked her eyes toward the driver. Once the car moved, she said with practiced ease, "You're young. You don't yet know which men are truly worth entrusting your life to. This time, I'll make the choice for you."

"I'm not planning on marrying anytime soon." Sydney had foreseen this day the moment she decided to divorce. She had not expected it to come so quickly, though.

Eloise snorted coldly. "This isn't up to you. You've enjoyed the Sterling family's comforts all these years. Isn't it time you gave something back?"

Sydney's palm tightened around her bag. "And who do you intend for me to marry?"

"The Wolfen family's fourth son, Eric Wolfen. Fine character, impeccable family background. You'd be marrying up."

For the first time, Eloise's face softened into a smile. "I've already arranged a meeting this evening at the Jedian Hotel. Tonight, we'll finalize everything."

Sydney almost laughed.

"Fine character?" Aside from being a lecher, the man had none. His record made even Victor seem clean. Just looking at him was enough to make you want to disinfect your eyes.

As for "impeccable family background," the Wolfens carried weight in Jouleston. But Eric? His mother had been a prostitute who clung to the family after his birth. Prudence Husk, the legal wife, had endured her publicly but had her burned alive in private. The boy survived but was left horribly scarred.

So this was the grand candidate Eloise had unearthed to ruin Sydney's future. She had scoured half the city's bachelors to find this rotten apple—a truly painstaking effort.

Sydney smiled cooly. She was done playing the obedient lamb. "Impossible."

Eloise's expression hardened. "I told you that this matter is not yours to decide."

Lie or not, the outcome would be the same. So why not lie?

Suspicion flickered across Eloise's face. After a pause, she nodded at Jason. He understood instantly, dialed a number, and switched to speakerphone.

Soon, Caleb's steady voice came through. "Who's this?"

"Mr. Hampton," Jason replied respectfully, "this is the Sterling household's butler. Madam Sterling wishes to speak with you."

He handed over the phone.

Eloise's tone softened, tinged with warmth. "Caleb, Sydney is with me. Why don't you come by the old estate this evening and take her home?"

At her age, she was not foolish enough to utter the word "divorce."