Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 634

Julian sighed. "When have you ever made a mistake in etiquette?"

"That's because I didn't know they were Sydney's maternal family," Agatha replied.

Hosting in-laws was different from entertaining ordinary guests.

"Not knowing excuses the fault," Julian said evenly. "The Huttons aren't unreasonable."

"That's true."

After today's visit, Agatha had to admit she respected the Huttons. They were powerful in their own right, yet their values and conduct far surpassed that chaotic branch of the Sterling family.

A thought struck her. "When do they plan to acknowledge Sydney?"

"They intend to wait until her condition stabilizes."

As they stepped into the foyer, Sydney lay curled up on the sofa. She looked over at the sound of their voices.

Julian smoothly changed the subject. "Are you sleepy?"

Her eyes were already half-closed, though she seemed too languid to go upstairs. "Yea…"

Tenderness filled his gaze. He crossed the room, bent, and gathered her into his arms. One hand supported her back; the other slid beneath her knees.

"Then let's go upstairs and sleep."

She did not resist. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned into him.

Inside the elevator, she nuzzled against his chest and murmured, "Julian, I suddenly feel very happy."

His eyes softened. "Why?"

She felt no fear. Instead, she replied calmly, "I never said that. Don't be so sensitive."

Her bright eyes blinked, and the upturned corners of her lips held a teasing allure she did not seem to notice. His throat tightened.

He leaned closer, inch by inch. "Then tell me. Who loves you the most? Tiffany? Alan? Florence?"

With each name, his voice grew lower and rougher.

"It's you." Sensing the shift in his mood, she surrendered at once and stopped teasing him. She enunciated every word. "It's you, Julian. I know how much you love me."

Last night, when the sniper rifle appeared without warning, he had turned without hesitation to shield her. He had not paused to weigh the risks.

In that instant, he had been ready to stake his life on hers.