Chapter 31
As Eliana spoke, her gaze briefly passed over Marcus. She had always thought the two were well-
matched. One was gentle, and the other was warm. They made a perfect pair.
Sydney sensed a sharp, mocking gaze on her. She ignored it, lifted her head with a smile, and said,
“Eliana, Alan misunderstood. I explained it to him on the way over. I’m not planning to get divorced.”
The moment she spoke, her eyes met a pair of dark, unreadable ones. Julian’s gaze was deep and clearly
scrutinizing. She refused to admit the divorce in front of him.
Surprised, Eliana scolded her husband, “This is a big deal! Why didn’t you tell me? I even ordered a
divorce cake.”
Alan cleared his throat. “Didn’t have the time.”
He didn’t press further and played along. “We can still eat the cake, divorced or not. The important thing is that she’s happy, right?”
“Fair enough,” Eliana agreed.
Sydney raised her glass and took a polite sip. “Thank you, Eliana.”
Setting it down, the man across from her spoke slowly, his voice low and cold. “Impressive. You’ve learned to bite your tongue.”
Sydney was not surprised. When she married, Julian had disapproved. But desperate to escape the
Sterling family, she had ignored all warnings. Back then, she had truly believed Caleb was the right
choice.
Julian had objected, but she had married Caleb anyway.
Now everyone knew she had been completely cheated on.
Naturally, Julian would mock her. The statement she had posted online could fool the public, but not those close to her. It was obvious anyone could tell her and Penelope apart.
“You taught me well,” Sydney shot back.
She almost stood to leave but stopped herself, not wanting to waste Eliana’s carefully prepared dinner.
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Marcus looked surprised. “You two know each other?”
“Not really,” Sydney replied.
“We’re more than acquainted,” Julian said at the same time.
The atmosphere froze.
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Julian tapped his long, slender fingers lazily on his wine glass stem as he glanced sideways at Marcus.
“I’m her brother.”
Something inside Sydney’s chest ignited. She sucked in a breath, struggling to calm the tightness in her lungs. Her eyes burned.
She was about to speak when Alan interrupted, “Marc, looks like you’re done here. Take Syd home.”
“Alan, Eliana,” Sydney said, glancing apologetically at Eliana.
Eliana patted her back gently. “Be good, it’s okay. Just listen to your mentor.”
Marcus, clearly surprised by her connection to Julian, knew better than to pry. He stood and led her out.
“Let’s go. I’ll drive you home.”
“Thanks, Marc.”
Julian’s gaze darkened at the nickname. His brow twitched slightly, as if irritated.
Once they left, Alan turned to Julian, the warmth in his expression gone. “If you hadn’t brought Sydney to me all those years ago and given me such a good student, you wouldn’t have made it past my front door today.
“I know you probably had your reasons. But have you thought about what she went through? A young
girl, bruised and on blood circulation meds–that’s what your family put her through.”
Eliana had gone upstairs to give them privacy.
Julian’s hand froze. He glanced out the window as the car faded into the distance, then slowly withdrew
his gaze.
The tight line of his jaw relaxed at last as he spoke in a cold, detached tone. “Mr. Conton, I’m here today to discuss a collaboration. Beyond that, I’m not interested.”
Chapter 32
Sydney did not speak after getting into the car. She sat quietly, leaning against the seat, her on the passing street scenes outside the window.
eyes
fixed
In the four years they had known each other, she had proven sensible and resilient. She resembled a sturdy evening primrose, blooming despite wind and rain. But now, something felt different. She
remained silent, and Marcus sensed her sadness.
At a red light, he gently tapped the brakes and asked, “Are you okay?”
The truth was that she was not okay. Julian had seemed so calm, as if nothing had happened. It felt like
she was the clingy or petty one. Meanwhile, he had moved on.
Sydney rarely revealed her emotions, so she forced a smile and said, “I’m fine.”
He hesitated, then spoke softly. “If something’s bothering you, you can tell me.”
He did not press further but warned, “Going head–on with Julian won’t end well for you.”
That simple statement cut deep.
Her emotions swirled before she whispered, “I know.”
She did not fully understand why she stayed composed after Caleb’s betrayal, yet lost control so easily with Julian.
Later at home, she recounted the moment to Tiffany. Without hesitation, her friend moved the case files on the coffee table and said knowingly, “You know why, right? You trusted Julian completely for nine
years. With Caleb, you only tried. But he let you down.”
She sipped her coffee, wagging a finger for emphasis. “You never fully gave him your heart, and he refused to accept it.”
Then she delivered her verdict. “It all comes down to emotional sunk cost.
That phrase echoed in Sydney’s mind as she lay in bed that night.
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The Luxon Club was an exclusive membership even the wealthy struggled to access. Its corridors led to pitch–black private rooms filled with elite chatter. Inside one such room, several men and women gathered around a gambling table.
Bruce Wilhelm frowned at Caleb and said, “Forget history. You fought over Penelope, and now you want Sydney to clean up after both of you? Are you insane? How is this any different from having her lie beside me in bed? She didn’t protest?”
“She didn’t.” Caleb swirled his drink and shook his head. “She just asked if I could cut ties with Penny.
But she’s my sister–in–law. How can I?”
Bruce sighed in frustration. “Sister–in–law or not, you know what I mean. Don’t push Sydney too far
and force her into divorce.”
Caleb shook his head. “She won’t do that.”
After all those years of giving her all, there was no way she would ask for a divorce without tears or fuss.
They had grown up like brothers, but that did not justify Caleb’s actions. Bruce could not help but say, “Don’t take advantage just because she has no family backing her. Remember, Julian raised her.
From the side of the table, a friend said casually, “She’s been estranged from Julian for years. Why
would he defend her?”
At that moment, the door burst open.
Julian strolled in with one hand in his pocket. His relaxed tone carried fierce undercurrents. “Did she tell you that herself? Or did I?”
Everyone froze at the doorway.
One man jumped to his feet, startled, dropping the cards in his hand and stammering, “J–Julian!”
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Caleb and Bruce were surprised too.
Since Caleb and Sydney’s marriage had soured, Julian rarely joined the friend group’s outings. Yet he never left the group chat. His appearances at gatherings were infrequent. No one expected him to show up tonight without a word.
Bruce stood and smiled to ease the tension. “Jules, what brings you here tonight?”
“Just passing by.” Julian nodded, straightened up, and stepped into the room.
The guy who had joked earlier followed him, apologizing repeatedly, “Bro, I shouldn’t have said that.
Please don’t hold it against me.”
Among them, only Julian and Caleb held real power. That was especially the case for the intimidating and decisive Julian. He was one of the few in Jouleston who dared cross him.
Julian slouched casually onto the leather sofa, draping an arm over its back. “It was just a joke. Why so
serious?”
“Alright, go back to your game.” Caleb defused the mood, raising his glass toward Julian. “They’re all scared of you, you know that.”
“Really?” Julian leveled his gaze at Caleb, glass paused halfway to his lips.
Caleb poured him another drink. They spoke like old friends or brothers–in–law.
“Have you been in touch with Sydney recently?” Caleb asked.
Julian answered lazily, “You all just said it, right? That she and I have fallen out.”
“We’re just joking,” Caleb replied with a wry smile. “Who doesn’t know you cared about her most?”
He knew better than anyone about Sydney and Julian’s past. After her parents died, Julian, blinded by power and influence, treated her like a treasured little sister.
“So?” Julian’s smirk slipped into his voice. “Worried I might stir trouble if you divorce her for
Penelope?”
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Caleb did not deny it. Instead, he asked with a half–smile, “Would you?”
Late at night, just as Sydney was falling asleep, her phone rang. Many long–time patients still had her
number, and she seldom silenced her phone. She stayed ready for emergencies.
“Syd, could you come pick up Cal?” Bruce’s voice came through, recognizable even in her drowsiness.
She checked the time. It was 2:00 a.m.
She replied groggily, “Bruce, why not just call him a taxi?”
He explained, “It’s hard to get taxis here at Luxon.”
Then he texted her the location.
Sydney groaned, threw on a down coat over her pajamas, grabbed Tiffany’s car keys, and headed out.
Tiffany, a natural night owl, peeked from her room in pajamas. “It’s the middle of the night. Where are you going?”
“Night shift,” Sydney replied.
The extra house and 700,000 dollars didn’t come without strings.
Sydney walked to the entrance and pointed to Tiffany’s car keys. “I’m taking your car.”
“Huh? Oh, okay,” Tiffany said.
‘What night shift?‘ Tiffany was confused, but before she could ask, Sydney had already left. She crawled
back into her room and began digging through files.
The winter night was cold. Inside the car, the heat was cranked to max.
At the club entrance, Bruce had notified reception of her arrival. A waiter led her to a private room.
Despite the late hour, business thrived and the air hung thick with alcohol.
“Ma’am, our room for Mr. Hampton’s group is right this way.”
As the door swung open, Sydney began, “Thank you-” but her voice caught in her throat.
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The room lights shimmered in decadent patterns. Sitting in the corner opposite the ent
sharply defined features were half–shrouded. His dark, indifferent gaze was the only th sweeping slowly in her direction.
Sydney wondered if she had been cursed in Storia. Why had she never run into Julian all those years, yet now here he was again?
“Syd, you’re here!” Bruce greeted her warmly. “Come on in.”
Caleb’s other friends nodded and smiled at her. She pressed one palm into the other before stepping in
and greeting them in turn, “Hey, Bruce. Hey, Mason.”
When it was Julian’s turn, she hesitated. “Mr. Sterling.”
Silence stretched for a few heartbeats. Bruce and the others felt a chill run down their spines.
Julian stayed calm, his deep eyes fixed on her. A small smile curved his lips. “So now I’m Mr. Sterling
instead of Julian, huh?”
Faced with him, Sydney spoke before she could stop herself. “What… What do I have to do with you?”
Those were the exact words Julian had said seven years ago when he had her abandoned at Eloise’s
place. Sydney remembered them clearly.
“You really think you’re my sister? What do you have to do with me?” he had asked then.
Sydney looked away, then glanced at Caleb, who had already fallen asleep. Quickly, she appealed to Bruce. “Bruce, could you help get him into the car?”
“Sure,” Bruce replied.
The room felt awkward as he lifted Caleb and tried to slip away.
Caleb, normally composed, had started drinking heavily after a few words with Julian.
Bruce asked Sydney, “Can you handle him? Want me to drive him home?”
Sydney shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Thanks, Bruce.”
“No need to thank me.” Bruce chuckled. “Get home safe, okay? And remember to come to my birthday.”
Seeing her hesitation, he teased, “You went to Penny’s birthday last month, but you’re not coming to mine?”
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She nodded. “All right, I’ll come.”
Bruce’s kindness touched her. After she agreed, he reminded her to stay safe and left.
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As she closed the car door to get in, Caleb suddenly reached out, grabbed her wrist, and murmured,
“Don’t even think about-”
She frowned. “Think about what?”
Did he know about the divorce? Before she could process more, he slumped unconscious.
She gently pushed him further in, closed the door, and climbed into the driver’s seat. Just as she was
about to close her door, a sharp sound rang out. Another car door swung open beside her, jamming her
door shut.
Before she could react, Julian leaned against the other vehicle, one elegant hand pressing firmly against her door. He smirked. “Are you planning to be fine with him cheating on you right under your nose?”
Anger flared in her chest. “What? Are you upset that I embarrassed the Sterling family?”
He glanced at her and said coldly, “He’s not thinking about you.”
“I know.” Sydney shrugged. “But as long as he comes home now and then, I’m content.”
Sydney sounded like a total love–struck fool.
Veins bulged on his hand gripping her door. “You really like him that much?”
“Yes. I like him so much it’s unbelievable.”
Julian’s frosty gaze swept over her. He sneered, “Even Mother Teresa would have to give you props.‘
“You only just figured that out today?” she asked evenly. “Mr. Sterling, I asked you once. I asked who he
liked. You didn’t tell me then.”
Julian remained silent.
She asked firmly, “What’s the point of taunts now?”
Chapter 35
Before marrying Caleb, Sydney had asked around, trying to learn who he truly loved, but no one gave her an answer. The young men who seemed familiar were just his friends, and none of them would betray him.
With no other options, she had called Julian. His response had been cold and distant.
“We’re not related,” he had said. “Why would I answer your questions?”
She had hung up and blocked him. He had warned her many times that there was nothing between them, and never had
been.
The cold night air seeped into the car, as bitter as the air outside.
“Jack, roll up the window,” Caleb mumbled in his sleep. Even while unconscious, he sounded like a commanding tycoon.
Sydney didn’t answer. She moved her hand and opened the window all the way. The cold rushed in, deliberately.
By the time they reached Viridian Garden, it was 3:30 a.m.
Sydney stayed in the car, pulled out her phone, and called Penelope.
Penelope answered on the second ring, her voice sharp with anger. “Are you insane? Do you know what time it is?”
“Come downstairs,” Sydney said curtly.
“For what?“!
“For your lover.”
Penelope fell silent.
Sydney glanced into the rearview mirror. “Caleb.”
That did the trick. Within two minutes, the foyer lights switched on, and Penelope stepped outside.
Sydney stayed seated and said coolly, “Hurry up.”
She just wanted to go home and sleep.
Penelope opened the back door and found Caleb slumped over, drunk. She frowned and demanded, “What were you doing with him?”
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Sydney smiled faintly. “If we actually did something, do you think I’d bring him here?”
“What are you playing at?” Penelope asked warily.
Who would hand her own husband over to the other woman?
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Running out of patience, Sydney checked the time. “If you don’t take him now, I’ll drop him off somewhere else.”
Caleb was out of it. He hadn’t even realized she’d moved out, but Penelope understood. She couldn’t make sense of it. Sydney, the so–called docile rabbit of the relationship, had changed. And no one–not even Caleb–questioned her composure. She really knew how to put on a show.
Penelope tried lifting him, but he was 6’1” and too heavy. She looked at Sydney and grumbled, “Can’t you help me?”
“Fine,” Sydney said. She stepped out, hooked Caleb’s arm, and let him drop into the grass with a dull thud. He adjusted
himself slightly and passed out again.
Penelope stood there, stunned. “Sydney, are you out of your mind?”
“You’re not out of your mind and you’re strong, so handle him yourself,” Sydney said calmly before getting back in her
car and driving off.
Penelope stared after her, speechless.
‘What kind of game is this?‘ she thought. ‘Is she faking a retreat just to come back stronger?‘
The next morning at breakfast, that “retreat before advancing” strategy seemed to have worked. Caleb’s attitude had
clearly changed.
“Where’s Sydney?” he asked as he came downstairs and sat across from Penelope.
He still looked slightly hungover but retained his usual charm.
“Bruce said she was the one who brought me back last night,” he added.
“She went to the clinic. Just left,” Penelope said, keeping her tone neutral.
“That early?” Caleb looked surprised.
Penelope nodded smoothly with a hum.
Sydney’s sudden move had caught her off guard, but she had decided to keep her plans quiet. She wouldn’t let Sydney get in her way again.
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Caleb, still queasy, turned to Nancy. “Can you bring me that stomach tonic Sydney made?”
Chapter 36
Sydney usually left food preparation to Nancy and rarely cooked herself. But after learning he had stomach issues, she began waking early every day after his social events to prepare nourishing dishes specifically for his stomach the next. morning. One serving eased his discomfort significantly.
Nancy blinked in surprise. “Stomach tonic? Ms. Wilson didn’t make any. She normally just gives me the recipe she
creates based on your condition. I wouldn’t know the recipe myself.”
Indeed, Sydney had not cooked anything. She had not been around at all.
Caleb pressed a hand to his stomach and frowned. “Has she been this busy lately?”
He hadn’t seen her or felt her concern for his health in the past two days. Before, the moment he showed discomfort,
Sydney would be in the kitchen preparing ingredients, sometimes rushing to check on him in the study, declaring
herself his personal family doctor.
“Uh, yes. Right,” Nancy said guiltily.
Noticing his expression, Penelope smiled sweetly and changed the topic. “By the way, Caleb, I studied medicine in uni too. After spending so much time caring for little Timmy, I’ve been thinking–could you help me find a job?”
Caleb, distractedly sipping his juice, suggested, “Why not a local hospital? It’s close to home.”
“Oh, no,” Penelope replied in an overly modest tone. “I’ve never practiced since graduation. Even though I have talent, I get stage fright around patients. Maybe I should start in a smaller clinic?”
She paused before adding, “Or better yet, if there’s a clinic with a top–tier doctor willing to mentor me, that would be
ideal.”
Traditional medicine relied heavily on lineage and mentorship. Finding such an expert doctor willing to take on a
protégé was not like applying for a typical job.
Caleb couldn’t simply nominate her. Besides, in Jouleston or even all of North Dagonia, only Alan stood at that level.
Still, Caleb did not refuse. “Sure, I’ll see what I can do.”
The clinic was busy that morning. Patients came nonstop, and Sydney had not sat down for hours until the young nurse walked in, smiling. “You’ve been working hard, Ms. Wilson. You’ve finished all your scheduled patients today. However, two more wanted to rush in. I told them you couldn’t see them, but they insisted on waiting.”
Sydney took a sip of water. “Please bring them in.”
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One patient had a minor issue, and Sydney quickly wrote a prescription. She then turned to the last patient–an elderly woman nearing 80, accompanied by someone. Thin and simply dressed, she still carried an unmistakable air of nobility. She entered, firmly closed the door behind her, and left her companion waiting outside.
Sydney took her pulse, then withdrew her hand gently and spoke softly. “Madam, what brings you in today?”
Annoyed, the elderly woman replied, “You’re the doctor, right? Doesn’t checking my pulse tell you everything?”
“It offers some insights,” Sydney said with a patient smile. “But your pulse is perfectly normal, and you don’t appear to
have any discomfort. At most, you might have some slight internal heat. No medication is needed. Just some dietary
adjustments will suffice.”
Although her complexion looked dull, her voice was strong and clear. She was fortunate to have such a resilient
constitution at her age.
“Who said so?” The elderly woman turned to check that the door was locked, then asserted loudly, “I’m uncomfortable
everywhere! My grandson is almost 40 and still single. Do you think I feel calm? Just give me some medicine. Otherwise,
I’ll go crazy.”
Although her grandson was actually in his early thirties, she firmly said, “Thirty years old? That counts as an old man
nearing 40. If he doesn’t find a bride soon, I’ll be dying of worry! Please, give me something to calm down.”
The term “old man” struck Sydney. She could not help but think of Caleb and Julian. She nodded and said softly, “Yes,
you are right. I’ll prescribe a mild, moisturizing cream to reduce internal heat. Would that be okay?”
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Illnesses tended to spike in autumn and winter, and Sydney had been seeing patients for three days straight. After this stretch of nonstop appointments, the rush finally began to ease.
“Dr. Wilson,” said a woman in her forties as Sydney performed acupuncture, “thank you so much. Every time I ask for
an extra appointment, you agree.”
That afternoon, the clinic had no scheduled appointments, so Sydney was treating outpatients. She inserted each needle with care while the patient, who suffered from serious kidney disease, lay on the table, expressing her gratitude.
The woman’s family situation was difficult. She had lost a child in her middle age, and her husband was unreliable. Every visit meant leaving home before dawn and taking two buses and three subway transfers from the suburbs.
Whether out of medical compassion or something more personal, Sydney smiled and said, “Why thank me? You pay for
treatment, and it’s my job to help you get better.”
The woman blinked back tears. “The front desk told me you give me a discount every time. You never charge for
acupuncture.”
Sydney paused, though her hands remained steady as she inserted the last of the needles. After a moment, she said, “If
my mother were alive, she’d be about your age.”
She quickly composed herself and added, “If you need anything, press the call button. I’ll come back in 30 minutes to
remove the needles.”
By three in the afternoon, Sydney was starving. After purchasing a portion of pasta Bolognese from a nearby shop, she
called Tiffany.
Her lawyer friend was tied up with work, so instead of heading home, Sydney decided to visit her mentor’s wife, Eliana. To her surprise, Alan was home as well. Both welcomed her warmly.
“The nurse said you’ve been swamped,” Alan said. “And you still came to visit? Aren’t you tired?”
“I’ve missed Eliana,” Sydney replied, placing a basket of fruit on the table before gently taking the older woman’s arm.
“I promised I’d do beauty treatments for her this week.”
Sydney had always been fascinated by skincare. Her colleagues often asked her to refresh her homemade herbal formulas, but only Eliana received the full treatment.
Eliana laughed and nudged her husband. “Did you hear that? She came to see me, not you!”
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“You little rascal,” Alan said with a chuckle, glancing at Sydney. “Can’t even tell the difference between an emperor and
a king.”
Eliana grinned. “So which one are you?”
“I’m the king, of course,” he said with a dramatic sigh. He was known for spoiling his wife and never winning an
argument.
Sydney couldn’t help laughing.
Later, in Alan’s private medicine room, she carefully chose a dozen herbs and got to work crafting her skincare
formulas.
Halfway through, Eliana peeked in with a smile. “Syd, how about sweet–and–sour beef strips tonight? I’ll make Alan
cook them himself.”
Sydney’s eyes lit up. “Yes, please. I’ve been craving his cooking.”
She had known them since she was nine. Alan first taught her to identify medicinal herbs, then to understand medicine itself. Even as a child, she arrived early and stayed late. At first, Julian would drive her back and forth. Later, she began
coming and going on her own.
Eliana had once wished for a daughter but gave birth only to a son. Sydney became the sweet, thoughtful girl she never had. Now, she knew Sydney’s tastes as well as if they were family.
“All right, carry on,” Eliana said, closing the door with a warm smile. “Dinner will be ready soon.”
Sydney might only be tinkering in the background, but her talent was clear. Alan and Eliana had seen it long before she
ever did.
Chapter 38
Every time Eliana finished using those pungent face masks, she could see her skin grow smoother and brighter. A small
jar lasted her quite a while.
Wealthy housewives stopped seeking expensive salon treatments and began asking what she was using. Eliana didn’t
really know. Even if she did, she wouldn’t want to share the secret.
A black Maybach glided down the road. In the back seat, Penelope nervously pressed her palms together. “Cal, what
should I say later? Dr. Conton…”
“You don’t need to worry so much. Dr. Conton is kind, and you’re talented. This will go well,” Caleb said gently. “Still,
he’s been retired for years. He might not want new students. Let’s just go and make a good impression. If it doesn’t work
out, we’ll consider other options.”
“But he accepted Sydney. I graduated from Jouleston University too. He won’t refuse me, right?” Penelope snapped.
She was a year ahead of Sydney and had worked hard to join under the famous Alan Conton. Yet Alan had rejected her,
only to take Sydney the next year before retiring. She couldn’t understand Sydney’s luck.
Caleb replied calmly, “Let’s just see how it goes.”
“Okay!” Penelope pressed her hand over his. “No matter what, Dr. Conton will respect you. Cal, I trust you.”
For her, this felt like a done deal. Alan’s reputation was solid, and with Caleb making the move, money would always
win.
Meanwhile, Sydney left after dinner. As always, Eliana walked her to the door and reminded her, “Walk carefully. Let me
know when you’re home.”
“Okay. You should go inside. It’s windy. Don’t want you getting a headache,” Sydney urged.
“I will.”
As Eliana went inside, Sydney turned and unexpectedly saw Caleb enter the compound, arm–in–arm with Penelope.
Their posture was intimate.
Hampton Corp. had medical ventures, so it wasn’t surprising they had professional questions for Alan.
The winter wind bit sharply, Sydney lowered her head and zipped up her jacket, trying to ignore them.
Then Caleb called her, “Sydney?”
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The courtyard was dark, lit only by the yellow glow of a streetlamp. He couldn’t see her clearly.
Sydney paused, feigning surprise. “Cal. Why are you here?”
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At that moment, she thought the 700,000 dollars from her mother–in–law had not been wasted. She had played her part
well.
“That’s the question I should ask,” Caleb said softly, resting his large hand on her head. “You said you were busy. We never see you at home. Why are you here with Dr. Conton?”
Sydney hesitated, then made up an excuse. “Marcus asked me. There’s a patient at the clinic with a complicated
condition, and we didn’t want to risk it. So I came straight to ask Alan.”
“And now?” Caleb’s brow softened, and he coaxed her like a child. “Isn’t it time you went home? You should get in the
car. We’ll just head in to talk to Dr. Conton for a bit.”
A strange feeling settled in Sydney’s chest. She didn’t feel like Caleb’s wife but like their child–Caleb and Penelope’s
child. If she wanted, they could be a happy family of three. Four, if one counted Timothy, whom Sydney nearly forgot.
Perhaps the thought was so absurd she laughed softly to herself.
Looking up at Caleb, she put on an obedient smile. “Could I go straight home a bit later tonight? Tiff and I are having
dinner.”
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show of asking for permission when the outcome had already been decided.
His concern felt performative–like a neighbor casually asking after dinner, “Have you eaten?” The question didn’t
matter, and neither did the answer.
Sometimes, Sydney thought that kind of superficial care was part of why their marriage lasted as long as three years.
Caleb would say things like, “Remember to take magnesium during your period.”
If she got caught in the rain, he’d say, “Take a hot shower.”
If she tripped, he’d tell her, “Be careful next time.”
But he never prepared the dissolvable magnesium tablet for her. Never brought an umbrella. Never offered to take her to
the hospital. His kindness never moved beyond words.
As expected, he agreed and reminded her, “Come home early.”
Sydney nodded. “Okay.”
Whether she actually came home or not wasn’t something he’d bother to consider.
Caleb and Penelope walked toward the gate.
Halfway there, Penelope suddenly slapped her forehead. “Cal, you go ahead. I think I left my phone in the car. I’ll go
grab it.”
“Okay,” he said, frowning slightly.
Sydney had never been forgetful. Despite her age, she was always composed and well–organized–more mature than
most. Caleb had never had to worry about her.
Just as Sydney stepped out of the compound, her phone rang. Tiffany was on her way to pick her up.
She had barely hung up when a voice called out, “Sydney!”
Penelope approached with a smug smile. “Do you know why Cal came today?”
“No,” Sydney replied flatly. She didn’t care.
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“I’m going to be Dr. Conton’s student too.” Penelope hated how calm Sydney always seemed. She was too good at pretending not to care. “You were just one of many students at Jouleston University. But I’m going to be his protégé.”
Sydney looked at her. “Didn’t Alan take only one final protégé during his years at Jouleston?”
“Of course I know that!” Penelope huffed. Everyone knew. That protégé had inherited everything from him–his full legacy, his knowledge.
They were a true genius in the field, but no one knew their identity.
Sydney smiled faintly. “Then why do you think he’ll choose you?”
“Because I’m better than you. And Cal will support me.” Penelope’s voice brimmed with certainty. “Just watch, Sydney. I’m going to surpass you–bit by bit.”
To become Alan’s protégé was to step into the field already crowned with prestige. Penelope turned away, already savoring victory. She did not bother to wait for a response.
Alan leaned back on the sofa, sipping the digestive tonic Sydney had brewed before leaving. “You want me to take your sister–in–law as my protégé?”
His eyes scanned the gifts on the coffee table: a jar of wild–harvested echinacea, a bundle of dried goldenseal, and a
pouch of organic ginseng root. It was a significant investment. Plain sincerity.
Caleb nodded. “Yes. Dr. Conton, I know you’re at retirement age and not accepting students anymore. But she’s really been through a lot.”
Alan paused, then spoke with cool authority. “If she’s had it rough, surely having her scandal–ridden brother–in–law hasn’t helped. You know how much shame you’ve dragged your wife through.”
His voice held a subtle edge. He was defending Sydney, even if only through sarcasm.
Caleb didn’t flinch. “You’ve seen the news. She said it was a misunderstanding, not the truth.”
Alan scoffed, impressed that he could lie with a straight face. “Whether it’s true or not, I see it all clearly.”
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Chapter 40
“Get your mistress and all the items you brought out of here. Now!” Alan thundered as he glanced toward the courtyard, his mustache bristling, eyes blazing with fury. “Don’t think you can buy me off with petty favors.”
Once a teacher, always a mentor. Sydney was like a daughter to him. If he gave in now, it wouldn’t stop with her. Eliana
would come after him as well.
“Dr. Conton, whatever terms you set, we’ll accept.” Penelope stepped forward and tucked her hair behind her ear, her
tone soft and persuasive. “Right, Caleb?”
Alan fell silent, considering what herbs might erase the sight of them from his mind.
Caleb addressed him with forced respect. “Dr. Conton, Penelope’s right. We came here in good faith.
11
Alan heard the politeness but felt the heat of anger simmering beneath it. None of this felt fair to Sydney.
“You’ll accept any condition?” he asked.
“Of course,” Penelope said without hesitation.
As a member of the powerful Hampton family, she believed Caleb would back her no matter what she promised.
Alan stood and straightened his lapel. “Then go apologize to Sydney. Once she accepts, you’re welcome to return.”
“What did you say?” Penelope snapped, her cheeks flushed with fury.
Sydney’s words at the door still echoed in her ears. She turned to Alan, voice low and sharp. “Did Sydney say something
about me? You can’t believe anything she says-”
“That’s enough, Penelope,” Caleb cut in gently. “Dr. Conton, thank you for your time. We’ll take our leave.”
Penelope followed him out, reluctant and fuming. Once they were in the car with the doors shut, she muttered, “This is
all Sydney’s doing. She’s always hated me. How else would she just happen to leave right before we arrived?”
“Is it really her who hates you, or do you hate her?” Caleb’s voice was calm, but cold.
Penelope gripped the edge of her coat, while her eyes welled up with tears.
“Why do you always take her side?” she demanded, her voice cracking. “You trust her no matter what.”
“Because evidence matters,” he said with a sigh. “Even the police need proof. And right now, what proof do we have?”
“Does there need to be proof?” She sobbed, convinced. “She’s always been cold to me. She just happens to visit Dr.
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Conton before us, and she’s his student-”
He interrupted her firmly, “If police handled cases like you do, how many innocent people would be punished?”
Penelope opened her mouth but couldn’t come up with a response.
Caleb rubbed his temples, exhausted. “Maybe medicine’s not for you. Try screenwriting instead.”
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A memory of Sydney surfaced–her quiet focus, the way she moved through her routines without complaint or drama.
Feeling something shift inside him, Caleb turned to the window. “Jack, pull over.”
He stepped out and entered a nearby dessert shop. A few minutes later, he returned with a strawberry cake.
Penelope watched him, her anger cooling. She reached for the box. “Since you brought cake, I’ll forgive what you said…”
He opened the container and placed it into her hand. “It’s for Sydney.”
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Caleb avoided Penelope’s gesture and set the box in the empty passenger seat.
“She’s young and has a sweet tooth,” he said. “Aren’t you cutting back on sugar?”
Penelope stared at him in disbelief. He looked the same–gentle, handsome, composed. But after a long silence, something clicked. Maybe his feelings had changed. He always claimed Sydney was like a sister, but perhaps he’d started falling for her without realizing it.
Her nails pressed into her palms. She no longer doubted he had feelings for Sydney.
“Are you always this nice to every friend’s little sister?” she asked softly.
“She went no contact with Julian to marry me,” Caleb said matter–of–factly. “Shouldn’t I treat her better?”
Back home, Sydney stepped out of a hot shower and was blow–drying her hair when Tiffany walked in, carrying a plate
of cherries.
She popped one into Sydney’s mouth and said, “Spill. What’s wrong?”
“Huh?”
“You didn’t look that upset, but my hawk–eyes say otherwise.”
Sydney gave a quiet laugh. Life wasn’t so bad. Alan and Eliana treated her like family, and Tiffany had always been her
rock.
She turned off the dryer. “Guess who I ran into after leaving Alan’s?”
“Who?”
“Caleb and Penelope.” Sydney pressed her lips together. “He went to smooth things over for her and asked Alan to take
her on as a student.”
A knot tightened in her chest. She hadn’t expected him to use her as a bridge to help the woman he loved. It wasn’t sadness. More like quiet frustration.
“That’s like a slap in the face. What is Caleb thinking? The divorce isn’t even finalized yet. Doesn’t that seem a little bold?” Tiffany scowled.
It was a slap. Sydney hated how much it stung. Still, telling Tiffany made it easier to bear. She let out a breath and said,
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“Probably only Penelope knows what’s going through his head.”
“And the divorce agreement?” Tiffany asked.
“I checked today. They said it’s nearly done,” Sydney replied.
“You sure she’s not lying?” Tiffany pressed.
“She’s not,” Sydney said.
Adeline came across as calm, but Sydney knew she was sharp–and likely in no hurry for a daughter–in–law. If
anything, she probably wanted this over even more than Sydney did.
Just then, Tiffany’s phone buzzed. She hurried out to take the call.
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Sydney picked up the blow dryer again, but her phone vibrated. She flinched at the caller ID. Her fingers traced shaky
lines across her palm before she answered. “Hello? Madam Sterling?”
The voice was cold and impatient. “Why didn’t you answer sooner?”
Sydney spoke softly. “I was showering.”
“Sydney,” Eloise cut in, her voice cool and mocking. “Being a little late is one thing. Not answering at all? That’s
something else.”
Sydney’s grip tightened until her knuckles turned white. “Madam Sterling, I didn’t—”
“Enough,” Eloise said, her tone softening. “We’re having a family dinner tomorrow. Be home early. Victor just flew in
and he’s been asking about you.”
Sydney flinched as if shocked. The phone slipped from her hand and hit the floor with a dull thud. When she picked it up
again, the line was dead.
She stared at the ceiling and breathed deeply, trying to calm the turmoil inside her. But the tension only spread.
Finally, she called Caleb.
He picked up right away. “Hey, Syd. What’s wrong?”
She could hear Penelope urging him to eat fruit in the background.
Keeping her voice steady, Sydney asked, “There’s a family dinner at the Sterling estate tomorrow night. Can you come
with me?”
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“Mm.” Caleb paused for just a moment before replying gently but firmly, “I have a meeting tomorrow afternoon. I
might be late getting back.”
Sydney’s heart sank. “I see…”
“See what? Listen to everything I’m saying.” His voice stayed steady and kind. “If I can’t make it back in time to pick you up, could we meet at the Sterling estate instead?”
Her shoulders relaxed, and a shy smile tugged at her lips. “Of course.”
It would be fine as long as she wouldn’t have to go back alone.
“Are you coming home soon?” he asked.
She lowered her gaze. “Almost.”
Caleb smiled. “I got you a small cake and put it in the fridge. Remember to eat it.”
Sydney froze. Extravagant gifts didn’t surprise her, but a little cake just for her? That was something else.
“Thank you, Cal,” she said softly.
Sadly, the warmth faded almost at once when she checked her socials. Penelope had posted something new.
Penelope: [I casually mentioned this morning that I wanted a small cake, and he brought one home tonight!]
That little slice of cake had probably been for her.
Sydney tossed her phone onto the bed and dropped down beside it. Thoughts of tomorrow night’s family banquet
swirled in her mind.
In a rare moment of reflection, she thought of Eloise’s early kindness. After her parents died, the two months she had spent in the orphanage had been dark and punishing
At just five years old, she had already tasted loneliness. There had been a girl there, only a year older, who had been ruling the other kids and had taken an instant dislike to her. She had kept the others from playing with Sydney, shredded the little dress her late mother had bought, hidden tacks in her shoes, drawn turtles on her face with markers, and even stolen the lucky charm she had been wearing since birth
Sydney had told the teacher, but all the kids backed the girl Naturally, the teacher didn’t believe her. She’d often sit alone behind the building, crying for the parents she missed so badly. That was when Eloise appeared. If it hadn’t been
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for her help–and for Julian–she might not have made it through.
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Back then, Sydney had been painfully obedient. Even foolishly so. But someone had taught her how to sharpen her mind and fight back over the next nine years.
Now, staring up at the ceiling, she blinked against the glare of the overhead light.
“Sir, we’ve arrived.”
Julian opened his eyes in the backseat. The sharp edge in his gaze faded. A flicker of patience crossed his face as he
prepared to step out.
“Don’t stay in the car too long,” Elliot warned. “Madam Norwood already spotted us.‘
Julian obliged and got out.
“Grandma,” he greeted calmly.
Agatha Norwood, nearing 80, glanced once at the empty car, then fixed her stone–cold expression on him. “You came alone again? How many times do I have to say it? Don’t bother coming if you’re not bringing a potential wife.”
Julian walked toward her, unbothered. “If it’d make you happy, I’d bring a different one home every day.”
“Try it.” Agatha raised her cane and smacked him hard. “If you dare toy with a girl’s feelings, you’ll lose me as your
grandmother.”
“All right, Grandma. As you wish.” Julian took the hit with grace and gently guided the cane aside.
Anyone watching would have been stunned. Julian–the hard–liner–showing this much patience?
He spotted a bowl on the coffee table filled with dark liquid. “What are you drinking?”
“Medicine,” Agatha replied gravely. “I’ve been waking up at night and can’t sleep. That girl from the clinic said I might
not have long if I don’t take it. She gave me a few prescriptions.”
“Which incompetent doctor told you that?” he questioned darkly.
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Chapter 43
Julian already scheduled two full health check–ups for Agatha every year. No one knew her body better than he did.
Agatha glared at him. “What incompetent doctor? That young lady is doing just fine. She’s skilled, steady, and knows exactly what she’s doing.”
Her eyes suddenly lit up. “She’d make a perfect granddaughter–in–law.”
Julian raised his brow in exasperation. “Every time you meet a young, breathing woman, you think she’s a candidate for
your granddaughter–in–law.‘
“So what? Don’t you trust my judgment?”
He sighed. “Grandma, it’s about compatibility.”
“Compatibility? How will you know if you never meet?” Agatha refused to back down. “Just wait. I’ll visit a few more times, get to know her, then bring her for you to see. She’s well–behaved and beautiful.”
Julian rubbed his temple, feeling a headache coming on. Then he pressed a hand to his stomach. “Grandma, I’m
hungry.”
“You haven’t eaten yet?” She shot to her feet, dropped her cane, and walked briskly into the kitchen. “Wait here. I’ll
make pasta.”
Elliot, standing nearby, spoke up hesitantly. “Should we look into this doctor? Just in case your grandmother’s being
scammed?”
“No need.” Julian set down the bowl of bitter medicine and sniffed it. His expression turned icy. “As long as she’s happy,
that’s what matters.”
“What about this medicine?”
“Just bitter tea. A scam to get her money.” Julian leaned back on the sofa, stretched his legs awkwardly, and said coldly,
“Just make sure that doctor never sets foot in this house again.”
Elliot nodded. “Yes, sir.”
He glanced at his phone, frowned, and said, “Ms. Wilson is attending the family banquet tomorrow night.”
Julian pressed a finger to the corner of his lip. “When has she ever missed one?”
“If she goes, she might face another discipline ceremony. Should we skip it instead-”
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“What does that have to do with me?” Julian cut him off. “She likes Caleb. Let him deal with it.”
Elliot hesitated, sensing he had crossed a line.
Agatha soon returned with a steaming plate of pasta. She looked at her grandson and sighed. “If the Sterlings find out you came here, they won’t make trouble, right?”
She meant the matriarch of the Sterling family–Julian’s other grandmother.
“Make trouble?” His gaze turned sharp for a moment, but his tone softened when he looked at her. “She wouldn’t dare.”
He picked up the plate. “From now on, you’re the only grandmother I’ll recognize.”
Sydney always wore dresses at home, no matter the season. Thus, Tiffany blinked in surprise when she stepped out in
pants. “Why aren’t you wearing your usual dresses?”
“I’m going to the Sterling estate,” Sydney said simply.
Seeing the confusion on Tiffany’s face, she added, “I’m expecting a kneeling punishment. These pants are two layers
thick.”
Tiffany accepted the answer, though something about it didn’t sit right.
After breakfast, they left together.
“I thought you had today off,” Tiffany said. “You’ve been seeing patients nonstop for days.
“I do.” Sydney offered a gentle smile. “But since I’m always home with nothing to do, I might as well help out.”
Truthfully, she just didn’t want to be alone today. The clinic was busy, which kept her mind from wandering.
Later that afternoon, she had just finished removing acupuncture needles from a patient when a few young nurses at the window called out, “It’s snowing again!”
Sydney checked the time, hurried back to her office, changed her coat, grabbed her bag, and got ready to leave.
A heavy snowstorm had been forecast, and the roads were likely to freeze. She had to leave early to avoid traffic and any
excuse someone might use to stir up trouble if she arrived late.
The cab driver was frugal, keeping the heat off to save power. The car was freezing.
Sydney rubbed her hands together in the back seat.
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“Sorry,” the driver said, glancing at her in the mirror. “Just trying to save a bit of fuel to squeeze out a few more miles.”
When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 44
“It’s fine.” Sydney glanced at the driver in the rearview mirror and noticed his pale face. “I don’t mind the cold once in a while, but you don’t look well. You probably have a weak heart. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
The cab driver blinked in surprise. “How do you know that?”
Before she could answer, he sighed, his expression empty. “It runs in the family. My daughter inherited it. I’m trying to
save up for her surgery.‘
Earlier, Sydney had seen the photo on his phone’s lock screen. It was a delicate little girl with big eyes, maybe six or
seven, her frailty plain even in the picture.
Her heart stirred. “How much more do you need?”
“Just a few thousand. Once I hit that, the doctor can schedule the operation.” He tried to smile, but it didn’t reach his
eyes.
A few thousand more. In their currency, that kind of money would take time. By then, the girl’s condition might worsen.
Sydney lowered her gaze and said nothing.
She planned to wait for Caleb before going in. A few hundred meters from the Sterling estate, she scanned the payment
code and stepped out.
Snow drifted down in soft, heavy flakes.
Sydney checked the time and called him. “Cal, how long until you get here? I’m waiting in a pavilion near the gate.”
He hesitated. “There’s a meeting I have to wrap up. If I can’t make it, just head in without me. I’ll come later, okay?”
She bit back a sigh. Her voice came out with a faint nasal edge. “Alright. Around what time?”
“By 7:30 for sure.”
“Okay. I’ll wait.”
After the call, disappointment settled over her. She didn’t linger. It was clear he wouldn’t show.
What had she been thinking? That Caleb’s faint trace of guilt could carry her through the Sterling household?
Back when Lucas was still alive, Caleb would only accompany her if he had formal business with the family.
Now that Penelope was single again, he had other priorities. That leftover piece of cake he’d brought? It was nothing
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more than a gesture. Spare dessert, spare time, spare attention.
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As she neared the estate’s grand gate, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. Her smile faded. She declined the
call and typed out a message.
Sydney: [Just think of it as giving me one last chance to be a good person. Go see your daughter in peace.]
“Ms. Wilson,” a voice called.
Jason approached and frowned at her thin layer of clothing. “Why not wear something warmer? If you catch a cold,
Madam Sterling might scold us.”
She gave him a polite smile. “Grandma is kind. She wouldn’t blame you.‘
Inside, the banquet hall buzzed. Her two aunts–rarely home together–had arrived with their families. Standing near
the edge of the room, Sydney kept her posture composed and scanned the scene. Then she quietly exhaled.
No one acknowledged her. Not even with a token greeting. She didn’t want to dampen the mood. Instead, she walked
over to help the staff set the table.
Just as she picked up a wine glass, a hand slapped her lower back.
“Well, hello again, dear Sydney. Long time no see,” said a voice, too slick and familiar.
Startled, she turned. Every instinct screamed to smash the glass over his head, but she held it together and dipped her
head. “Victor. You’re back.”
“Oh yes? Miss me much?” He grinned and tugged at the sleeve of her bulky coat. “It’s over 20°C here. Why are you still
dressed like you’re headed for the North Pole?”
Receiving no answer, Victor pressed, “What’s with the cold shoulder?”
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Sydney stepped back twice, yanking her collar out of his grip. The service staff had already cleared the table and disappeared into the kitchen. Only she and Victor remained in the dining room.
Her expression chilled, and she said mockingly, “What now? Planning to flee abroad again?”
“Sydney!” Victor grabbed her throat and clenched his teeth. “So you want to do this the hard way? You think I still care what you want?”
“If you’ve got the guts, choke me,” Sydney said through the pain, staring him down. “If not, let go. Don’t act like a dog that only barks.”
“Tch.” Victor broke into a grin, eyeing her with satisfaction. “Haven’t seen you in years. You’ve gotten bold. Shame I didn’t get you before I left the country. Caleb got off easy.”
He let her go and gave her cheek a patronizing pat. “But hey, being with a married woman has its own kind of flavor-”
Sydney slapped him hard, cutting him off. The sound cracked through the air. Behind the folding screens in the drawing room, others turned their heads, though they couldn’t see what had happened.
Victor’s aunt, Fiona, called out, “What’s going on?”
Victor glared at Sydney and lifted his hand in anger. As the second heir to the family, he wasn’t used to being humiliated,
especially not by a woman.
Sydney met his gaze and whispered, “Go ahead. Didn’t I mention I’ve got plenty of nude photos of you?”
She watched his face twitch and expression break apart in slow motion. Then she smiled faintly. “Your enemies would
love to get their hands on those, wouldn’t they?”
“Victor? Sydney?” Fiona’s voice drew closer, puzzled by their silence. She stepped in. “What are you two doing here?”
Victor backed down, still seething. “Aunt Fiona, I had an itch on my head and asked Sydney to help. She hit me by
accident.”
“Oh dear.” Fiona noticed the bright red handprint on his cheek, turned to Sydney, and scolded her lightly, “Really? You know how delicate Victor is. He just got out of the hospital. If anything happened, your grandmother would be worried
sick.”
“Hospital?” Sydney repeated.
“You didn’t know?” Fiona looked surprised. “After our last family dinner, Victor returned and apparently ran into
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someone’s gun. He nearly died right off the plane.‘
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Sydney stared at him. Victor was cruel, always hiding behind privilege and impunity. But he was a Sterling, and his older
cousin, Julian, held true power.
Seeing nothing more amiss, Fiona turned and went back to the living room.
Victor’s jaw tightened as he faced Sydney again. “When did you take those photos?”
Sydney replied with airy calm, “The night your assault failed. You passed out afterward.”
Victor had been targeting her for years. After Julian cast her off and sent her back to the Sterling estate, Victor only grew
bolder. His harassment never let up, yet she was always the one who paid the price.
By the time she turned 16, Sydney had learned how to avoid him with a well–practiced look of innocence. For two years,
she hid behind a mask of quiet obedience, deceiving everyone around her.
Then came Eloise’s seventieth birthday banquet.
Sydney was 18 then, dressed in a delicate white gown. Victor snapped, dragged her upstairs, and forced her into a guest
room. Just as he tried to force himself on her, he “suddenly” passed out.
Sydney screamed, and guests came running. Her clothes were rumpled, her body trembling with shock. No one questioned what had happened. It was clearly an attempted assault.
And still, Eloise insisted she treated Sydney better than her own granddaughter.
Chapter 46
For the sake of her reputation, Eloise had been left with no choice but to promise she’d send Victor abroad for six years.
Yet after all the drama, Sydney’s life had only gotten harder. Even so, she hadn’t felt like she had lost anything. Compared to the constant fear of sleeping next to a pervert, everything else felt insignificant.
“You fucking-” Victor snarled, then suddenly grinned, as if struck by a thought. “Don’t tell me you stare at my nudes when you can’t sleep. What’s the matter? Caleb can’t satisfy you?”
The vulgarity turned Sydney’s stomach. She had clearly underestimated just how shameless Victor could be.
With a cold laugh, she shot back, “Who cares about a sexually underdeveloped boy like you?”
Then she turned on her heel and walked away.
Victor always preyed on the weak and backed down in the face of strength. The more afraid she was, the harder he latched on. But when she stood her ground, he hesitated. Ever since the incident six years ago, he harbored a faint fear of her. Still, his entitled arrogance wouldn’t let go. If he couldn’t have her, he’d try to break her.
He remembered the softness of her palm from when he slapped her before. The thought stirred something in him. He grabbed her wrist and leered. “Did you even look at me down there?”
His face lit up with smug satisfaction, as if he enjoyed being degraded.
A wave of revulsion swept over Sydney. Goosebumps rose on her skin as she fought to break free. “Let go!”
Just then, Elliot’s voice rang out from the living room. “Mr. Sterling, you’re back!”
Sydney froze.
“Oh damn it. Why the hell is he here?” Victor muttered under his breath, instinctively releasing her. He growled a warning. “Don’t let him find out!”
“Depends on my mood.” Sydney threw over her shoulder. She pulled out a packet of cotton alcohol pads, wiped her wrist, and forced herself forward.
The living room buzzed with even more energy than before. When Sydney first walked in, the mood had been entirely different. Now, Julian had entered with his overwhelming presence. He wore a tailored black dress shirt, the fit sharp and precise, the matching trousers sculpting his long legs. He handed his blazer to the butler, every motion elegant, reserved, and detached,
Victor brushed past her and headed straight for Julian, grinning. “Cuz, you’re back? If I’d known you had time, I
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would’ve picked you up myself.”
“Don’t bother,” Julian said, his dark eyes calm and unreadable. “I’m germophobic.”
“Oh… Uh…” Victor’s grin wavered. “It’s a new car. Picked it up yesterday. No one’s sat in it yet.”
Across the room, Fiona spotted Sydney and beckoned her over.
“Aunt Fiona.” Sydney approached, frowning at the faint scent of smoke.
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Julian stubbed out a half–smoked cigarette in the ashtray with deliberate precision, then gave Victor a flat look. “I said
you’re filthy.”
A few of the younger relatives stifled laughter. Of course Victor was filthy–he’d been chasing girls since middle school.
But as Eloise’s favorite grandson, no one else dared say it out loud. Only Julian could get away with it, and he even said it
with a smile.
“Julian, come on. I was joking. Look, our cousins are laughing at me.‘
11
Julian gave him nothing. Calm and almost detached, he replied, “Who said I’m joking?”
The quiet laughter picked up again. And somehow, their usually untouchable elder cousin was the one stirring it.
“What’s so funny?” a sharp, commanding voice called out from the elevator.
Everyone stilled. Sydney and a few others murmured under their breath, “Grandma.”
Everyone–except Julian. He hadn’t spoken to Eloise in years. He never came to family dinners or greeted her, not even
out of formality.
Eloise scanned the room before settling her gaze on Sydney. “Where’s Caleb? Is he unavailable again today?”
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Sydney knew she couldn’t avoid it. Her fingertips grazed her palm as she spoke in a low, steady voice. “Yes, he’s been very busy lately. He said he’d try to come once he’s done.”
“Hmph!” Eloise, seated across from her, zeroed in with mockery.
“Busy with work, or busy with something else?” she crooned, amused and cruel.
Sydney lowered her gaze. “Grandma-”
“If you can’t keep a man’s heart, so be it,” Eloise cut in. Her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear, and her tone steeped in contempt. “But to go online and defend the mistress? Sydney, do you even know how ugly the gossip is?”
She didn’t. But even Julian–cold as ever–had warned her that night. Thus, it had to be bad.
“Everyone says our family mistreated you. That’s why you cling to the Hamptons and let them walk all over you!” Eloise jabbed a finger toward her face. “Tell me. Who in the Sterling family ever wronged you? You’re making us look disgraceful!”
Sydney didn’t react. She kept her eyes fixed on the marble floor, waiting for it to end.
Then the order came, sharp and immediate. “Get out and kneel!”
No one in the household looked surprised. Snow still drifted outside. A few glanced at Julian. He had raised her, after all. Surely, he would intervene.
He didn’t. He lounged on the sofa, scrolling his phone. He never lifted his eyes. It was as if Sydney were a stranger.
“Grandma.” Victor’s voice carried soft, feigned concern. “It’s still snowing out there. She’ll freeze and get sick.”
If her legs gave out, what fun would she be to torment?
Eloise shot him a look of disgust. “Still fooled by her?”
Sydney had expected nothing. While Victor kept talking, she stepped out onto the gravel path and knelt with ease.
From behind the floor–to–ceiling windows, Eloise watched. Her gaze darkened.
“Stubborn as steel,” she murmured. “Just like her parents.
Julian’s cool and mocking voice rang out from inside. “Still no food?”
He turned his phone lazily. “Do all family banquets now double as public punishments?”
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He named no one, but everyone knew who he meant.
Silence fell over the room.
Facing a crowd of younger relatives, Eloise struggled to contain her anger.
“If you don’t want to come back, then don’t!” she snapped.
Julian’s presence at this gathering had already stunned them all. He rarely came to family events.
He chuckled. “If I didn’t, how else would I learn?”
Then, glancing toward Elliot and Peter, who stood nearby, he added, “You two ought to take notes. Your ways of
torment still can’t compare to Grandma’s.”
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A few around them couldn’t help smirking. Julian inspired fear for a reason. He didn’t tolerate fools. He was ruthless.
Some even whispered he’d once fed a man to sharks in international waters.
Elliot replied with practiced obedience, “Yes, sir.”
Eloise’s chest heaved. “Julian, do you even respect me as your grandmother?”
“Are we still not eating?” he cut in, straightening his collar. “Then I’ll be leaving.”
With that, he walked out with his hands in his pockets. He was indifferent to her heaving chest and wordless fury.
Snow fell hard.
Sydney knelt under a pale lamppost. Minutes crawled by. Frost settled on her lashes. Her knees and shins throbbed, but
she could endure it. Years of training in medicine had toughened her. Without that, her legs might’ve failed her already.
Her phone buzzed inside her coat pocket. An unfamiliar number flashed across the screen. She ignored it. Then came a
WhatsApp notification.
With trembling fingers, she opened it. The moment she saw the message, the phone slipped from her hand.
It read: [Syd, I don’t think I’ll make it in time. I’ll send Jack to pick you up later.]
Caleb: [Did the Sterlings give you a hard time today?]
Sydney tugged at her lips, her mood turning sour. She didn’t even have the will to pick up her phone and reply.
She had already known Caleb wouldn’t come when she called him outside the estate. Still, reading his message now left
her disappointed.
He hadn’t forgotten. He knew that if he didn’t show up, the Sterling family would punish her. And yet, he still didn’t
come.
A cold wind swept through the air. Snowflakes carried on its edge stabbed into her lungs.
Even breathing hurt. She forced herself to stay composed. As she bent to retrieve her phone, a shadow fell over her- faster than she could reach. He snatched the phone, lifted her into his arms steadily, and carried her out into the night.
“Julian!” she shouted.
The presence was too familiar to doubt.
“Put me down!” she demanded.
He gave a low snicker. His voice held no warmth. “I thought you referred to me as Mr. Sterling?”
“F–Fine,” she stammered. “Mr. Sterling, please put me down.”
“You still want to kneel?” he asked coldly.
She had knelt long enough. But Eloise likely wasn’t finished. She would take things further.
Jason followed, clearly torn. “Mr. Sterling, you can leave, but Ms. Wilson must stay.‘
“Go ask her whose name is still on her legal records.” Julian didn’t break stride. His steps were sharp, purposeful. “If anyone defies me again, I swear, the next one fed to the sharks will be Victor.”
Her memory jolted. Years ago, when Julian brought her to live with him, he’d filed for guardianship and added her to his legal address. Even after she got married and tried to change it, he hadn’t bothered with the paperwork–or given her
access to the documents.
Sydney was not exactly easygoing either. After a few failed attempts, she let it drop. If he hadn’t brought it up now, she might have forgotten completely that, on paper, she still belonged to him.
Jason relayed Julian’s words without change.
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Victor, who had never expected to be dragged into this, flinched. He turned to Eloise and blurted without thought, “Grandma, didn’t Julian say ages ago he was done with Sydney? What’s going on now?”
Eloise let out a dry, mocking laugh. “Who could possibly guess what that man’s thinking? Now that his status is untouchable, don’t you think it’s natural he’d get protective every now and then?”
“But he shouldn’t disrespect you like this.”
“Do you even know which family name rules Jouleston now?”
“Of course. It’s still Sterling,” Victor said carelessly.
Eloise’s tone dropped. “Not just Sterling. It’s Julian Sterling.”
She wanted to see how long he could keep playing the untouchable ruler.
She glared at Victor warningly. “Don’t do anything stupid because of that girl. If you bring Julian’s wrath down on
yourself, he has more than enough ways to ruin you.”
“I already took a hard fall because of her,” he grumbled.
“He doesn’t commit to anyone. He won’t protect her for long.” Her voice turned colder. “Maybe he’ll cut ties completely again. Then you’ll regret not getting rid of Sydney sooner.”
Outside the estate, a black Bentley with the plate “JA99999” pulled to a stop.
Snow swirled around them in heavy gusts.
Julian strode forward, still carrying Sydney. Elliot followed with a large black umbrella. Snow soaked half of Julian’s
shoulder, but not a flake touched her.
The driver stepped out and opened the door. “Sir. Miss.”
After a disorienting moment, Sydney found her footing. Her stomach still churned like she’d just stepped off a ride. She
steadied herself and greeted, “Hey, Peter,”
Julian’s brow twitched. His voice was icy. “Get in the car.”
“I’ll just take a taxi…” She didn’t finish.
A limited–edition Maybach slid up beside them, sleek and silent.
Caleb stepped out, holding an umbrella, Calm and composed as always, he nodded briefly at Julian, then looked to Sydney. His voice was soft, unreadable. “Syd, I came to pick you up.”
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Sydney paused for a moment. She swallowed the swirl of emotions inside her, then looked at Julian and said in a crisp, detached tone, “Then I’ll be leaving now. Thank you for earlier, Mr. Sterling.”
“Ms. Wilson-“Elliot began.
Julian’s mocking voice echoed. “Enough. Don’t embarrass yourself.”
Sydney brushed her fingers across her palm without thinking, but her steps did not falter as she walked away.
Watching the black Maybach fade into the night, Elliot muttered, “That was a total ambush.”
“What are you mumbling about?” Julian snuffed out his cigarette and slipped into the car. His silhouette, framed by the
harsh winter wind, looked strangely desolate.
Elliot climbed into the passenger seat. “Nothing. Just thinking how much slack Ms. Wilson gives Caleb. Every time we
run into her, she’s clearly still angry at you.
“But not at Caleb? That guy cheated on her, never comes back to the estate with her, lets her take all the punishment-”
Suddenly, the air inside the car felt heavy, and Elliot shivered.
Peter Reyes, driving up front, didn’t notice the shift and took over the conversation. “Of course she’s lenient. She likes him. Women always forgive the ones they love. Boundaries get pushed further and further.”
Elliot frowned. “That doesn’t sound like Ms. Wilson at all. I don’t buy it.”
“Whether you buy it or not doesn’t matter,” Peter said, glancing in the rearview mirror. “Mr. Sterling, what do you
think?”
Julian’s deep features were cast in shadow beneath the streetlamp. His voice was low and sharp as ice. “When did you
get so chatty?”
Silence ensued immediately.
They hadn’t said anything outrageous, so why was he upset again?
The road from the estate to Viridian Garden was wide open tonight but iced over.
Jack drove cautiously, unwilling to speed. The car’s heater filled the cabin with warmth, creating a comfortable silence.
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It took a while for Sydney to shake off the chill from her limbs. She finally looked up at Caleb and was about to speak
when he beat her to it. “Are you mad?”
“No,” Sydney answered honestly.
She wasn’t mad. She was used to being stood up by now. At most, there was lingering disappointment.
What surprised her was that after texting to say he wouldn’t come, he suddenly appeared. The surprise outweighed the
hurt.
Caleb kept his eyes on her, watching her downcast lashes and quiet face, “Then what is it? You haven’t said a word since getting in.”
‘You didn’t speak to me either,‘ she thought.
Sydney spoke plainly. “I just didn’t expect you to show up. That’s all.”
“I thought about it. The Sterling family would probably punish you.” Caleb remained gentle and composed, his voice warm. “I couldn’t stop worrying, so I figured I’d come get you first.”
She felt caught off guard, even momentarily dazed. If she hadn’t found those photos in his study, she might have
actually believed he cared.
Caleb saw her silence and chuckled. “What, you think I don’t give a damn whether you live or die?”
He was joking, but that was exactly what she believed. Not that she would ever admit it.
Instead, she smiled faintly, the shallow dimple appearing and fading like a whisper. She looked well–behaved, obedient.
“No, I just didn’t want to interfere with your work.”
“It’s fine. The meeting got pushed to 8:30 last minute.” He glanced at his watch. “I don’t have time to take you home.
Want to wait in my office?”
“I can just head back first.”
“It won’t take long. Okay?”
Sydney didn’t refuse. “Alright.”
Sydney followed Caleb into Hampton Corp’s headquarters. Despite the late hour, the building glowed like daytime. Staff from the project department waited in the conference room.
After Caleb went inside, Sydney walked to the CEO’s office at the end of the hall.
She probably hadn’t slept well the night before. She curled up on the office couch, hugging a pillow, and drifted off
before she realized it.
One by one, the lights in the building flicked off. Only the top floor and a few offices still glowed.
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Sydney woke up after an unknown length of time, stirred by the soft buzz of her phone vibrating.
The light in the room felt harsh in her groggy state. She shielded her eyes with one hand and fumbled for the phone, answering drowsily. “Hello?”
“Syd, why aren’t you home yet?”
It was Tiffany–anxious, nearly frantic. She had returned from work to find it already past 3:00 a.m., and Sydney still
hadn’t come back. Fear had gripped her. She thought something might have happened at the Sterling estate.
Sydney rubbed her eyes, slowly adjusting to the light. As she sat up from the sofa, her thoughts cleared. “I’m okay. I’m
waiting at Hampton Corp. for Caleb to finish a meeting.”
“What kind of meeting lasts until 3:00 a.m.?” Tiffany questioned.
“I don’t know either.”
By then, the building’s central air conditioning had shut off. Cold seeped into the room.
Sydney blew on her nose and spoke softly. “I’ll go check the meeting room. Don’t worry. Go wash up and try to sleep.”
After ending the call, she picked up her down jacket from the back of the sofa and stood. Her legs were still numb, so she
moved carefully.
The corridor was pitch black. The once–bright hallway and conference room were empty. She paused, slightly
disoriented.
Just then, footsteps echoed from the elevator lobby. A young woman, likely in her early twenties, rushed into the
conference room as if dropping something. When she emerged, she spotted Sydney standing in the soft glow cast from
the CEO’s office.
“Why are you still here?” Sydney asked.
She froze, then answered in a flustered voice, “Sorry, I didn’t know anyone was left. I turned off the hallway lights. Do
you want me to walk you downstairs?”
Sydney kept her voice quiet. “The meeting’s over?”
“Yes. It ended long ago.” The young woman suddenly remembered something. “Mr. Hampton got a phone call around 9:00 p.m. and left in a hurry. Maybe he forgot to tell you.”
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Sydney stood still, stunned. The ground felt solid beneath her feet again, but nothing else did. The cake he had bought, the unexpected visit–it all felt imagined.
He had left her alone here at night. That was the truth. That was who Caleb had always been. It fit him. He had never
once considered that she might feel hurt.
And since no one cared how she felt, she had learned to act like nothing mattered.
‘It’s fine. We’re divorced anyway,‘ she thought.
She steadied herself and finally spoke. “Okay. Just get home safe.”
Caleb had left around 9:00 p.m. Now it was past 3:00 a.m. That was six hours without a word, without a thought for her.
The truly absurd part came two days later, when Nancy called while Sydney was with a patient at the clinic.
“Ms. Wilson, are you free to come by today?”
“What happened?”
Sydney assumed the divorce papers were ready.
Nancy hesitated. “Timmy’s had a high fever the last few nights. He’s listless and hasn’t been eating. Mr. Hampton asked
me to find a medicinal diet recipe for him.”
A flicker of anger stirred in Sydney. She stepped to the window and drew a slow breath. “You heard what I told Caleb’s
mother that day, didn’t you?”
The truth was that she no longer had any ties to the Hampton family.
Nancy sounded conflicted. “I did, but Mr. Hampton still asked me to-”
“Then tell him the truth.”
“But you promised not to tell him about the divorce.”
“I said I wouldn’t tell Caleb about the divorce,” Sydney replied evenly. “I never agreed to treat his lover’s son. If Penelope studied medicine too, then ask her for a prescription.”
With that, she ended the call.
After composing herself, she returned to her desk and faced her patient. “Sorry, Ms. Norwood. Let’s continue.”
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“No rush,” Agatha said, her eyes bright with curiosity.
She took Sydney’s hand and smiled. “Dr. Wilson, you’re really single?”
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