Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 255

**Chapter 255**

As Sydney spoke, her eyes drifted toward the bodyguards standing sentinel in the courtyard, their imposing figures as unyielding as a fortress wall. A sense of resolve washed over her, hardening her tone like steel. “I’ll remain here for the time being. But I want to be clear—you are not stepping foot in my room. Not even once.”

The tension in the air crackled around them, and Sydney was acutely aware that she needed to tread carefully. Provoking Caleb further would be a mistake she couldn’t afford to make. She needed a different strategy, one that wouldn’t escalate the situation. Pushing Caleb now would only serve to worsen his mood, and she couldn’t let that happen.

Julian must have left some of his men behind in Jouleston. If she could keep Caleb calm and collected, perhaps she could seize an opportunity to slip away. The thought of freedom danced tantalizingly at the edges of her mind, urging her to find a way out.

Caleb had come prepared, armed with a list of arguments and justifications, but her unexpected acquiescence caught him off guard. She noticed the way his expression softened, the corners of his mouth lifting into a faint smile that hinted at surprise. “All right. Whatever you say, I’ll agree.”

The moment the words escaped his lips, Sydney seized the opportunity and extended her hand toward him. He blinked in confusion. “What?”

“The key,” she replied, her voice steady yet quiet, a firm insistence lacing her words. “My room key. Please, hand it over.”

This was a ritual Victor had instilled in her long ago, a habit that had become second nature. Even when she locked the door from the inside, she would loop a strand of her hair across the handle. The hair was a silent sentinel, remaining still against the wind but falling away if anyone dared to try the knob.

She had followed this routine last night, and when she awoke, the hair was gone, a troubling sign that lingered in her mind.

Caleb hadn’t harmed her, nor had she confronted him about the lingering tension between them. But if he expected her to remain compliant, he couldn’t keep the key to her freedom.

Instead of reacting with anger, his gaze softened even more, revealing a flicker of admiration. He seemed to appreciate her defiance, the way she stood her ground and demanded what was hers.

With a resigned sigh, he reached into his pocket and withdrew the keys, letting them drop into her palm. “Here. Both copies.”

“Then I’ll head upstairs,” she declared, a sense of purpose guiding her steps.

Time was of the essence. The clock ticked away the minutes, and she was acutely aware of the time difference between Hoseon and Malbrosia. By now, Julian should be resting after his long journey. His trip was crucial for Sterling Corp., and his schedule would be packed tight. She needed to reach out before he became unreachable.

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