Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 768

Raymond and Tiffany walked out through the courtyard gate one after the other, guided by the faint light spilling from the house.

Tiffany suddenly stopped and called after him. "Raymond."

He turned to look at her. "Hm?"

"Thank you... for today."

"No need to thank me."

"I'm not just being polite," Tiffany said, her expression earnest. "I mean it."

A deep winter wind howled through the alley, carrying a lingering sense of desolation.

After a few seconds of silence, Raymond said, "Come on. Let's get in the car first."

They left the alley and climbed into the black SUV parked ahead.

Tiffany glanced at the time. She knew he must have come straight from the airport, and a faint, indescribable ache spread through her chest.

Raymond turned on the heater. Once the cabin had warmed slightly, he turned to her. "I'll have someone keep watch. I won't let them come bother you again."

"There's no need," Tiffany said. "I can handle it."

"I know you can," Raymond replied without arguing. "But I can handle it faster."

"Raymond..." She lowered her eyes, and the same quiet ache lingered in her voice. "You don't have to be this good to me."

She had long since passed the age of believing she could have everything she wanted. Even if his family accepted her, she could not ignore everything else.

The Huttons and Raymond himself might not care about her background, but she did.

Situations like today's would happen again. The Huttons might not mind once or twice, but what if they kept happening?

Eventually, the past would come rushing back. She never wanted to relive what had happened before.

Raymond did not answer immediately. Instead, he eased onto the accelerator and guided the SUV forward at a slow pace.

The headlights illuminated the bluestone road ahead, casting shifting shadows across the walls on either side.

"Why?" Diana asked.

"Something came up with Tiffany's family, so I came back early," Raymond said, keeping the explanation brief. "I'm worried there may be more trouble, so I'll need to stay in Jouleston for a few more days."

Diana fell silent for a few seconds. "All right. I'm going to Norchester the day after tomorrow. I'll sign it while I'm there."

"Thanks, Diana," Raymond said.

"Just send me the contact's information."

"Hugo is handling the project. He'll meet you when you get there."

A brief silence followed before Diana spoke again. "Got it."

Raymond looked at the phone screen as it went dark, one eyebrow lifting thoughtfully. He did not dwell on it. He started the SUV and drove away from Haven.

…

Elsewhere, Diana sat at her desk. Her finger slipped, opening her chat with Hugo. She paused for a moment, her gaze lingering on his profile photo before the screen dimmed again. Lowering her head, she returned to her work.