Chapter 311
Theodore pressed his fingers to his brow, a dull ache pounding behind his temples.
James walked forward, crouched before his mother, and spoke gently. “Mom, I just called Ray. He said Ms. Wilson grew up in the Sterling family, so she can’t be the one you’re thinking of. But if you like her, I’ll make sure she visits more often when she has time, alright?”
Florence’s tears slowed. “Really?”
James nodded. “Of course. It’s true.”
By the time the party drew to a close, Sydney and the others were getting ready to leave.
Seeing how late it was, Marcus said, “Tiffany’s already had a few drinks and went to wait in the car. You two head back first. I’ll take Alan home.”
“Alright.”
They parted ways in the elevator. Sydney’s car was parked in the open lot, and Marcus’ in the underground garage.
When Sydney reached her car and unlocked the door, she noticed a familiar tall figure striding toward her. His tie hung loose, the top two buttons of his shirt undone. He looked relaxed, yet something about him stayed taut and controlled.
The words he had murmured to her in the fire escape earlier echoed in her mind. Sydney swallowed hard, wanting to drive away before he reached her.
She had just buckled her seatbelt when a sharp knock sounded on the passenger-side window. She considered pretending not to hear, but Tiffany stirred, half-asleep, lowered the window, and froze when she saw who it was.
Julian raised an eyebrow. “Ms. Voss, you’re here too?”
“I can not be here.” Tiffany, with only one thought, that he was Sydney’s boyfriend, hopped right out of the car and yielded the passenger seat.
As she slid into the back, she even shot Sydney a knowing wink, as if to say, “See? I know when to disappear.”
Julian didn’t hesitate. With smooth, practiced ease, he opened the door and took the seat beside Sydney.
When they reached their apartment building, Tiffany proved just as perceptive. She slipped away without a word, leaving Sydney alone in the elevator lobby, heart racing.
Did she really have to help Julian with that?
Sydney shut her eyes, searching for a way out, when his low voice came from behind her. “By the way, is
the condition of Madam Hutton’s legs very serious?”
“A little,” she answered softly. Before she could say more, he had already unlocked the door to 2201, his expression unreadable.
“Come in. I want to sit.”
Her focus shifted to Florence’s condition. Assuming he wanted to rest while they talked, she nodded. ” Oh, alright.”
After all, Julian and Raymond were close. Maybe Raymond had asked him to check in.
Sydney stepped inside, changed her shoes, and continued, “It’s serious, yes. It’s an old injury, and her muscles have atrophied. Recovery will take time and patience…”
Julian’s gaze fixed on her, and something unreadable flickered in his eyes. “I don’t have patience anymore.”
“Huh?” She looked up, startled. Before she could react, his lips captured hers.
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