Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 616

Chapter 616

Raymond had been entrenched in Jouleston for years. The forces under his direct command were more than sufficient to resolve the situation quietly, without risking the Hutton family’s reputation.

It would not affect Diana’s political career either.

With Julian’s statement, Raymond would not even need to deploy his own people. That simplified matters further.

Julian glanced at Elliot, signaling him to stay behind and assist Raymond with the cleanup.

Meanwhile, Peter followed Julian out without hesitation. They moved as if they owned Tristan’s territory, coming and going at will.

Tristan’s eyes narrowed. Just as Julian reached the doorway, Tristan raised his voice. “Stop.”

Julian acted as though he had not heard.

A second later, Tristan smiled and snapped his fingers. “Take one more step, and I can’t guarantee there won’t be two lives lost.”

Julian halted. His shoulders tightened as he spun around and placed himself squarely in front of Sydney, blocking the faint red dot.

Sydney had not yet grasped what was happening when she saw Diana, Raymond, and Caleb stiffen all at once.

She froze and tried to turn her head, but Julian tightened his hold. “Don’t turn around.”

“Don’t look back.” Diana spoke almost at the same moment.

It was the first time Sydney had ever seen such naked tension in both of them.

Tristan clapped softly, clearly pleased. “I never would have guessed that the famous cold-blooded Sterling heir would risk his life for a woman. There’s a saying, isn’t there? Even elite families produce hopeless romantics. Looks like it’s true.”

Sydney understood. Every drop of blood in her body seemed to turn to ice. Julian had positioned himself to take the bullet for her.

Tristan had not merely kidnapped her. He had planned this from the beginning. With a sniper already in place, the outcome would not have changed, regardless of whether she had taken down the bespectacled man.

She struggled weakly in Julian’s arms. “Julian, put me down.”

Julian did not loosen his grip. His voice remained steady. “Do you really think that if the bullet hits you, he’ll let me walk away?”

Of course he would not. Tristan had come for Julian from the start.

Raymond clenched his teeth. “Let them go. Whatever you want, I’ll negotiate.”

Sydney’s face had gone pale. She was clearly at her limit. If this continued, something would go wrong.

Caleb knew her well. She was not fragile. If she allowed Julian to hold her like this, then she truly was unwell.

Before Caleb could speak, Tristan smiled. “I said it at the beginning. I want Julian’s life.”

“Then let her leave,” Julian said. His tone was calm, almost unnervingly so. “I’ll stay. You can do whatever you

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Chapter 616

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want with me.”

He said whatever you want, but Tristan did not believe him for a second.

Tristan trusted his instincts. Once Sydney was gone, the one at the mercy of others would not be Julian. It would

be him.

He refused to fall for it. “Mr. Sterling, do you spend so much time at the top that you’ve started treating everyone else like fools?”

“The man outside belongs to Flint Donovan, doesn’t he?” Julian cut in sharply.

When surprise flickered across Tristan’s face, Julian continued. “He probably had no advance knowledge of tonight. But now that things have reached this point, he has no choice but to send someone to help you clean it up.

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