Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 47

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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8:41 AM Sun 24 Aug

Chapter 47

He named no one, but everyone knew who he meant.

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