Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 278

**Chapter 278**

Julian was determined to wear Sydney down, and he relished the challenge.

Sydney couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment that notion had taken root in his mind, but one thing was crystal clear—he had meticulously cataloged every biting word she had hurled at him during their time at the estate.

‘Just another grudge added to his ever-growing list,’ she mused, a hint of bitterness creeping into her thoughts.

Taking a deep, measured breath, she decided to confront him head-on. “Fine. If you’ve got the guts for it, then don’t ever get married. Don’t ever be with the woman you actually like.” The words slipped from her lips with a mix of defiance and challenge.

Julian’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “The woman I like?” he echoed, his voice laced with curiosity.

“Yes,” Sydney replied, her gaze darting toward the pocket of his impeccably tailored trousers.

Suddenly, Charlotte’s parting words from earlier echoed in her mind, along with that seemingly innocuous question she had asked at the café about the photo tucked away in his wallet. The pieces fell into place with an unsettling clarity. It had to be the same girl.

Julian might have been known for his ruthless demeanor, but he was not a man who played games with women’s hearts.

Just as Caleb emerged from his car, he caught sight of a sleek Bentley parked nearby. Two figures exited the vehicle in quick succession, and the tension between them was palpable.

They had clearly been arguing again. Sydney strode ahead with purpose, while Julian followed, his expression deceptively calm.

Caleb had witnessed this pattern unfold countless times before.

Sydney had a knack for losing her cool around Julian. He would often tease her, saying she was “only tough at home,” and it seemed they could ignite a disagreement over the most trivial matters. There were instances when their bickering escalated to such a degree that he and Bruce had to intervene.

As he watched her enter the apartment building, Caleb closed the distance between them with purposeful strides and greeted Julian with a casual smile. “Jules, another fight?”

Julian’s brows furrowed slightly, but he maintained his composure. “Not exactly,” he replied, his tone measured.

Caleb fell into step beside him, his voice steady and sincere. “Yesterday at the restaurant felt rushed. There’s something I didn’t get to say. I know you were unhappy with how I treated Syd before. I admit, I mistook Penelope for her back then, and I didn’t know the truth.”

Caleb understood that Julian’s words could cut deep, but he chose to let it slide. “I just thought maybe you could help persuade her. She’s always listened to you since she was a kid.”

Julian studied him intently for a moment before finally nodding. “All right.”

“I knew it.” Caleb exhaled, relief washing over him. “You still want what’s best for Syd.”

As they approached the elevator together, the doors slid open. Sydney glanced up as they stepped inside, her expression unreadable. It was as if she hadn’t even seen them; she pressed the button for her floor and retreated to the far corner, creating a palpable distance.

“Syd,” Caleb ventured, taking a cautious step forward, his voice softening.

She immediately recoiled, pressing herself against the wall as if to create an impenetrable barrier.

He halted, disappointment flickering in his eyes, but he refrained from closing the gap.