Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 349

**Chapter 349**

**26 Bonus**

Tiffany’s brow furrowed deeply as her eyes flicked to the smudged kiss marks adorning Sydney’s collar. “Honestly, what is it with these thirty-something men these days? Is breaking up supposed to mean kissing someone half to death first?” She shook her head in disbelief, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and exasperation.

Sydney leaned back against the couch, forcing a light-hearted tone into her words, hoping to alleviate the tension that hung thick in the air. “Oh, come on, Tiff. Just think of it as a little breakup fling.”

Tiffany nearly choked on her drink, the absurdity of the idea catching her off guard.

After years of friendship, practically growing up side by side, she could read Sydney like an open book. The facade her friend was trying to maintain was all too transparent.

She shifted closer, her hand gently patting Sydney’s head in a comforting gesture. “Are you absolutely sure this is really what you want?”

Until Caleb had shown up at her door just a few days prior, Tiffany had genuinely believed that Sydney and Julian might find a way to make their relationship work.

Julian was reckless, a wild spirit untamed by the constraints of his family. If he set his mind on marrying someone, there was little anyone could do to stop him. With Sydney’s formidable medical skills and her impressive research work, she was undoubtedly a match for him. No one would dare suggest otherwise.

Moreover, Tiffany had witnessed firsthand the pain Sydney had endured after being abandoned, learning to navigate life alone while bearing the brunt of Eloise’s cruelty.

And now, it seemed history was repeating itself.

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**Chapter 349**

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Sydney felt the alcohol’s effects still lingering at bay, her mind sharp and clear. The weight of her thoughts had shifted, but it no longer mattered.

She tapped her can lightly against Tiffany’s, a small gesture that belied the turmoil inside her. “Tiff, this isn’t something I actually get to choose.”

Unless she was willing to erase the painful memories of her parents’ deaths and allow their killers to roam free, she was trapped in a web of circumstances that offered no escape.

Tiffany draped an arm around Sydney’s shoulders, a protective gesture. “So, what did Julian say? Did he agree right away?”

Sydney hesitated, the dull ache in her body a constant reminder of the emotional turmoil she was enduring. “He thought I was trying to remarry Caleb.”

The anger that Julian had been suppressing erupted like a volcano, crashing down on her and then spilling over onto Caleb.

Tiffany bit back a curse, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “Forget it. Men aren’t worth mentioning anyway.”

“So, what’s your plan now?”

***

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They met at their usual bar, a place that thrummed with life well past midnight, the neon lights casting a vibrant glow over the crowd and the music pulsing in the background.

A waiter escorted them to a private room upstairs, the air thick with an electric energy. “Mr. Hampton, Mr. Wilder. What would you like to drink tonight?”

Before the door could close behind them, a group of women passed by, one of whom slowed her pace, peeking into the room before discreetly pulling out her phone.

Penelope had just emerged from the shower when her phone rang, the sound cutting through the silence of her bathroom. “It’s late. What is it?” she answered, irritation lacing her voice.

“Guess who I just saw at the bar?”

“Who?”

“Mr. Hampton.” The woman lowered her voice, slipping away from her friends to divulge the news. “He’s got a bruise on his face and doesn’t look too happy. If you don’t show up soon, some other vixen might swoop in.”

“Alright, got it.” Penelope glanced down at her flat stomach, a calculating smile creeping onto her lips. *Once I secure my spot, you’ll get your share of the reward.*

After hanging up, the woman stole a glance back toward the private room, her mind racing with possibilities.

Caleb was now the sole heir of the Hampton family. If Penelope could manage to fully ensnare him, she would become untouchable within their social circle.