Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 593

Chapter 593

After arriving at the company, Caleb went straight to the top-floor office. When he entered, Julian stood by the window, gazing down at the streets below.

Caleb stopped beside the sofa. “You wanted to see me?”

Only then did Julian turn around, unhurried. His dark eyes gave nothing away.

He studied Caleb for a long moment before speaking. “Do you still remember the first time you met Syd?”

On the way over, Caleb had imagined countless possible conversations with Julian. This question had not crossed his mind.

He froze briefly. ‘The first time I met Syd…’

Setting aside the car accident years ago, he could recall very little. At the time, she had been nothing more than a friend’s younger sister. Someone not worth remembering too closely.

All he truly recalled was that each time they met, little Sydney would smile brightly and call him “Cal.” Her eyes curved into crescents, deep dimples appearing in both cheeks. She had been adorable and well behaved.

Caleb steadied himself and spoke evenly. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Among all of us, you were the one she trusted most back then.” Julian rolled an unlit cigarette between his fingers. “The first time she met you, she kept calling you ‘Cal.’ Later, when she wanted to leave the Sterling family and find somewhere safe, you were the first person she thought of.”

He let out a low laugh. “You probably do not know this either. When Eliana was poisoned, she trusted you too.”

Caleb paused, then replied flatly, “Jules, this is not your style.”

Julian lifted an eyebrow. “What is not?”

“Playing the emotional card.” Caleb cut straight to the point, his expression turning cold. “That is not how you usually operate.”

Julian snapped the cigarette in half and dropped it into the trash. A thin, icy smile curved his lips. “Do you really want her to know how pathetic you look right now? Do you want her to know that the person she trusted most poisoned the person closest to her?”

For a split second, Caleb wavered. Then his expression settled once more. “Believe it or not, I did not administer the poison.”

Julian’s gaze sharpened. “But the antidote is in your hands.”

Caleb frowned and said nothing.

Julian did not look away. “What are you planning to do? Use the antidote to force her to remarry you? Or make her run away with you? Caleb, you are even more despicable than I thought.”

Caleb gave a faint, indifferent smile. “We are not that different. None of us is more righteous than the other.” Julian’s only advantage lay in those nine extra years he had spent with Sydney. If Caleb had owned those years

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Chapter 593

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instead, he would not be hesitating now.

“You are right.” Julian’s lips curled. “That is why I am here today. To make a trade.”

Caleb glanced at him. “A trade?”

“An antidote for an antidote.” Julian checked his watch with casual precision. “Right about now, your grandmother’s poison should be taking effect.”

“What did you say?!” Caleb’s expression shifted violently. Before he could press further, his phone rang.

The call lasted only a few seconds, yet his face changed repeatedly. When he hung up and looked back at Julian, he swung his fist straight at him.

Julian had expected it. He shifted slightly and dodged with ease. “Why the hurry? You said it yourself. None of us is more righteous than the other. I do not have your patience for dealing with complicated antidotes.”

He met Caleb’s gaze. “This poison has a three-hour window. Miss it, and even God cannot save her.”

“Fine.” Caleb drew a deep breath and gave in. “I will trade.” 1

When it came to ruthlessness, he was no match for Julian.

Julian glanced at Elliot behind him.

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