Chapter 143 Sydney held up a dark pinstriped suit. "Try this one? I think it'd look great on you." The associate swore she wasn't imagining it. At Sydney's words, the man's aura softened, even flickering with interest. They looked like a newlywed couple navigating a business partnership, still adjusting to each other. 'Only Mr. Hampton...' The associate bit her tongue. The man himself wasn't exactly loyal. No wonder Sydney sought comfort in someone so devastatingly handsome. "Sure," Julian said.
With broad shoulders, a slim waist, a tall frame, and that striking face, he wore the suit better than any model. Heads would turn. Sydney finally understood why wealthy women spent lavishly on their boy-toys. Still, when it came time to pay, her heart sank. Julian tossed a belt onto the counter. "Add this. She's paying." "I said one suit," she snapped. Julian tilted his chin at the associate. "Doesn't a belt count as part of a suit set?" His face was handsome, but his presence was intimidating-and technically, he wasn't wrong. The associate could only nod.
"Yes, it does." Sydney gave in, her defeat total. Later, they grabbed dinner upstairs. Many women stole glances their way, eight out of ten at Julian. It struck Sydney: dressed casually today, Julian looked like a campus heartthrob, nothing like his usual cold, untouchable self. The contrast was magnetic. Some women seemed ready to approach him for his number. Someone familiar beat them to it. "Syd?" It was Marcus. Sydney smiled, setting down her cutlery. "Marc, you're here too?" "Just passing by. Saw you and came in to say hi," he replied. He wasn't surprised to see Sydney with Julian.
Whatever past tension existed, they were siblings. A shared meal wasn't odd. "Want to join us?" Sydney asked. "Sure." Marcus smiled and sat down. In his presence, Sydney visibly relaxed. Despite being raised under Julian's care, she had grown distant from him. Julian's phone buzzed, and he excused himself. "I'll take this call." "Okay." Sydney nodded, then summoned the server for more dishes. Marcus, still smiling, resumed their earlier conversation. "About that idea I texted you this afternoon, what did you think?" Sydney had only skimmed it, bleary from being woken earlier.
She nodded, thinking aloud. "I saw it. I think it could work if we adjust the dosage and test it again..." "Syd, Dr. Shepard?" The voice came from behind. Penelope and Caleb approached. Penelope glanced at Caleb and said pointedly, "See? I told you Syd and Dr. Shepard were close. You didn't believe me." Caleb hadn't expected to find Sydney and Marcus together. His expression remained unreadable as he asked, "Syd, step outside with me." Not wanting to make things awkward for Marcus, Sydney rose and followed. The moment they were outside, Caleb's grip clamped around her wrist.
His voice was icy. "You're coming home with me."