Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 700

Sydney said the word "fiancé" with ease, as if they had been together for years and it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

When Julian heard it, something scratched lightly at his heart, like an unbearable itch. The corners of his mouth lifted before he realized it.

The butler noticed nothing unusual, but he understood that the man standing beside Sydney was no ordinary person. They were in no position to offend him.

"Of course." He stepped aside at once and led them upstairs.

The moment Sydney entered Jeremiah's bedroom and saw him on the bed, she frowned.

His complexion had dulled. He looked noticeably worse than the day before.

Jeremiah had not lied. His condition had indeed worsened.

The butler assumed he was asleep and spoke to wake him. "Sir, Dr. Wilson is here."

Only then did Jeremiah stir. Looking weak, he turned toward Sydney and began to push himself up, scolding the butler as he did so. "If Dr. Wilson was here, why didn't you come upstairs and tell me to go down?"

Sydney stepped forward and stopped him. "Just stay where you are. Don't make it worse."

"Sorry to trouble you, Dr. Wilson." As Jeremiah spoke, his gaze shifted to the tall man nearby. His expression changed slightly. "Mr. Sterling? Mr. Sterling... I had no idea you came as well. I've been terribly rude."

Julian remained calm, as if mildly surprised. "You know me, Mr. Clifford?"

"Of course." Jeremiah nodded, his tone filled with admiration. "At your age, with so much power already in your hands, how many people in Jouleston wouldn't know who you are?"

For a moment, Jeremiah said nothing. Then guilt spread across his face. "The reason I got so upset is that when I asked my old friend for the evidence yesterday, I found out he had lied to me. Even the evidence I saw had been forged."

He looked at Sydney, remorse filling his expression. "I trusted the wrong person. I don't know if this caused you trouble. Dr. Wilson, I'm truly sorry..."

Sydney paused, startled, and exchanged a glance with Julian. This development was completely outside her expectations. She had come partly out of responsibility to her patient, and partly to find out what Jeremiah truly wanted. She had not expected him to confess so directly.

"I see."

Julian stepped forward and rested a hand lightly on Sydney's shoulder.

With a faint smile that did not quite reach his eyes, he said, "Then, Mr. Clifford, could you tell us which old friend you mean? Someone willing to go this far to forge evidence just to smear the Huttons may well be an old enemy. If you're willing to tell us, it might help clear up any misunderstanding before it grows worse."