Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 787

The next day, Hugo woke early. He came downstairs in a white turtleneck sweater and dark casual pants, looking crisp and put together. The only thing out of place was the faint shadow beneath his eyes.

Florence spotted him first. Her gaze lingered on his face. "Hugo, didn't you sleep well? Not used to a new bed?"

"No." Hugo walked over and steadied her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I had some work to deal with yesterday and stayed up late."

He could hardly admit it was because of Leon's phone call. He had been too angry to sleep.

"Work matters, but your health matters more." Florence chided him gently as he helped her sit at the table.

Then she called toward the stairs, "James, Diana, come down for breakfast. Don't keep our guest waiting."

A moment later, footsteps echoed from the staircase.

James had returned from a business trip the night before, arriving home around 2:00 a.m. He wore a crisply pressed light blue shirt and looked reasonably alert, though a hint of fatigue still lingered beneath his eyes.

He walked over, took his seat, and nodded to Hugo. "Morning."

"Morning, James," Hugo replied easily.

Diana came down right behind him, dressed in an ivory knit cardigan with her hair pinned low at the back of her head. She looked less sharp than usual and more relaxed, the way she always did at home.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

"Very well," Hugo answered without the slightest change in expression.

Diana sat across from him as the staff brought out the breakfast.

Just as he finished speaking, Diana's phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen. It was a polite but warm message from Callum.

[Are you free tonight? There's a new Full Hearts Restaurant that just opened in Jouleston. I hear it's good. Would you like to try it together?]

Before Diana could reply, Florence had already guessed what was on her mind and asked with a smile, "Is that the Sandhill boy?"

"Yes." Diana made no attempt to hide it as she tilted the phone toward Florence. "He's asking me to dinner tonight."

Florence studied Diana's face before glancing at the message again. "That boy is thoughtful. As soon as he arrived in Jouleston, he made a point of stopping by to see how you were feeling. He has good manners. Now he's asking you to dinner again the very next day. That shows he's serious about you."

Diana set her phone down. "I don't really have time today."

"You can't spare time for a meal?" Florence knew exactly what she was thinking. "The busier you are, the more important it is to get out and clear your head. Don't bury yourself in work all the time. It wouldn't hurt to be friends with him."