Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 701

The words were perfectly polite, but Sydney caught the edge beneath them at once.

Julian didn't believe a single word Jeremiah had said. Neither did Sydney. It was all a little too convenient.

The Huttons had gotten to the bottom of everything just the night before, and early this morning, Jeremiah had called to personally retract the statements he had made the day before.

Then again, whether it was Diana or Raymond, neither would have left something like this to an outsider. At most, they would have used someone from their own inner circle. There was no way Jeremiah could have known about her dealings with the Huttons yesterday.

Sydney studied him, uncertain.

Jeremiah pushed himself up with his cane and looked faintly pained. "Mr. Sterling, Dr. Wilson, I truly am sorry. My old friend may simply have been mistaken. We go back many years, and I have no wish to cause him trouble."

His movements and tone felt entirely natural.

Sydney searched for something she could hold onto and found nothing.

Julian gave a faint smile and let it go, then turned to her. "It's getting late. Let's start the treatment."

"All right."

Given how sharply Jeremiah's condition had deteriorated overnight, yesterday's prescription was no longer suitable.

Sydney began with acupuncture to ease his immediate symptoms, then prepared a new prescription. She handed it to the housekeeper and turned back to Jeremiah.

"Going forward, I won't have time to make house calls. Find Marcus and have him book you a standing weekly clinic appointment." Her voice was calm and light, but it was not a suggestion.

She then left with Julian.

The housekeeper moved to see them out, but Sydney stopped him. "No need. Help him up and get him walking. Keep his meals light for now. Plain congee is best."

…

The black Bentley pulled out of the courtyard and disappeared down the road. Only then did the housekeeper help Jeremiah to his feet.

Jeremiah glanced at the number. The sharp light in his eyes softened, if only slightly. He waved the housekeeper off.

The housekeeper understood and stepped out, pulling the door shut behind him.

Jeremiah waited until it was fully closed before answering. "What now? Why are you crying?"

The impatience in his voice stayed on the surface. Beneath it lay something closer to resignation.

An elderly woman's voice came through from the other end, tearful and full of grievance. "What do you think? How much longer do I have to wait? We can't go back to the Sterling family, and you won't let us come to you…

"I don't mind for myself. But Victor can't spend every day putting up with people looking down on him. He grew up with everyone doting on him. How is he supposed to bear this?

"He's not just my grandson. He's yours too."

Jeremiah pressed his fingers to his brow. "If it becomes unbearable, I'll arrange for someone to take you both abroad for a while."