Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 755

Raymond gave the document envelope in his hand a slight shake. "Something I need to see Julian about."

"He's in the study." Sydney stepped aside to let him in. "Have you eaten?"

"I have." Raymond headed for the study.

Sydney watched him go. Something about him seemed heavier than usual tonight, far removed from his usual carefree manner.

She settled back onto the sofa. The study door closed, and the murmur of low voices drifted out from inside.

About 10 minutes later, the study door opened again. Raymond stepped out, looking noticeably lighter than before.

"Thank you. For what happened last time."

Sydney frowned. "What happened last time?"

"What you said to Tiffany." Raymond paused. "She messaged me yesterday. On her own."

Sydney's eyes lit up. "What did she say?"

"She said... next time, don't just bring meatballs. Bring something different." As Raymond spoke, a genuine, rarely seen smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Sydney couldn't help smiling too. "So what are you going to bring?"

"Still figuring that out." Raymond slipped on his coat. "Anyway, I'd better get going. I don't want to keep you up."

After seeing Raymond out, Sydney settled back onto the sofa.

A short while later, Julian came out of the study, sat beside her, and drew her into his arms. "You're more invested in Raymond's love life than he is."

"Of course I am. Tiffany is my best friend," Sydney said. "If she and Raymond can work things out, I'll be the happiest person alive."

Julian lowered his head and kissed her forehead. "Happy enough to go to bed now?"

Sydney laughed and shoved him away. "Stop rushing me. I haven't even showered yet."

"Together?"

"Get lost."

Then she set it down, picked up her phone, and sent Hugo a message.

Diana: [You're attending the Innovation Award ceremony too?]

A reply came back in less than a minute.

Hugo: [Yeah. Grandpa asked me to represent the Jillson Group. And I've been wanting to see you, Diana.]

Diana stared at the word "wanting." It struck her as oddly casual.

Then she thought about it again. Hugo had always been straightforward. If he wanted to see someone, he said so. If he wanted to do something, he simply did it. There was never anything more complicated than that.

Diana: [See you there, then.]

His response was immediate.

Hugo: [Okay.]

Diana set her phone aside and reopened her file. She tried to focus on her work, but the word "wanting" drifted through her mind twice before it finally faded away.