Chapter 131 Julian neither confirmed nor denied, only replying, "And you? Heading out already?" "Something came up," Caleb said. There was no point lying to Julian. They shared too many acquaintances. He admitted plainly, "My nephew's running a high fever. I need to check on him." He offered Julian a cigarette and added, "If you run into Sydney, don't tell her. No need for her to worry." Julian accepted the cigarette, raising a brow in agreement. "Sure." After Sydney set the painting on the entryway cabinet, she waited until the elevator shaft fell quiet before stepping out again.
By then, the building entrance was deserted. The black Bentley was gone. It was not surprising. Julian was never patient. After she stood him up, of course he wouldn't wait. With people lining up to dine with him now, he had no reason to lower himself and linger here for her. Sydney lowered her eyes, ready to head back upstairs, when a familiar Bentley rolled up slowly. Peter jumped out to open the door. "Ms. Wilson, there wasn't a spot earlier, so I had to park a bit farther away." Sydney blinked, startled. Then she caught Julian's glance from inside.
His mood seemed unexpectedly light as he called, "Get in, Ms. Wilson. I'm hungry." Silent and uneasy, she slid into the back seat. Just before, he had sulked. Now his lips curved in the faintest smile. "I ran into Caleb just now," Julian remarked. She hummed. Her tone stayed calm, her mood steady-no disappointment, no anger. Julian remembered Caleb's request and narrowed his eyes slightly. "He went to see his sister-in-law." At the wheel, Peter nearly choked. Hadn't Julian promised not to tell Sydney? Now he'd not only told her but also made it sound blunt. Still, it wasn't wrong.
If the nephew was in the hospital, of course the mother would be there. Sydney's brow didn't twitch. "I'm aware." She hadn't believed Caleb's excuse anyway. She was just surprised he bothered to invent one. In a way, it could be considered progress. Julian pressed, "He left in such a hurry his car practically flew." Sydney frowned at him. "Mr. Sterling, what are you trying to say?" Mock her failed marriage? Laugh at how easily her husband could be summoned by his mistress? Think she was pathetic? Julian's look was strange.
"I just didn't expect you to be so accepting." 'Of being cheated on,' he added inwardly. 1/2 Sydney caught his meaning, smirked, and shot back, "We're both free now." Julian's voice chilled. "What did you say?" Her face stayed composed as she bluffed, "I said we're in an open marriage." A low laugh rumbled from Julian's chest. He looked at her leisurely. "Open, huh? How so?" Sydney faltered, twisting her hands and avoiding his sharp gaze. "J-Just... have fun with whoever we want!" "Oh?" Julian leaned closer, teasing, "And who exactly are you planning to have fun with?" Sydney stammered.
"I-I haven't decided yet!" Play with who? The Hamptons would burn the world down if she so much as glanced elsewhere. They'd kill her before she made it out of the bedroom. Besides, all her energy was tied up in her project. If it succeeded, even Eloise wouldn't dare treat her the same again. The winter night had already fallen, streetlamps casting a hazy yellow glow into the car. Sydney couldn't see Julian's expression clearly. All she heard was his voice, low and edged with meaning. "Then... let me know when you decide." The way he said it didn't sound like a joke. 272