Chapter 144 "Why should I go home with you?" Sydney flushed, embarrassed in public, and tried to pull her hand free. "Caleb, can you be reasonable for once?" Caleb frowned. "I'm not being reasonable?" He had no words. Just seeing her laugh so easily with another man had left him burning with irritation. Earlier, Penelope had begged him to take her shopping. He hadn't wanted to raise suspicion, so he'd gone along as usual. Who could have guessed he'd stumble onto this scene? Sydney was his wife.
He could accept her working with other men, but spending her free time with them unsettled him to no end. Sydney's voice turned icy. "So your idea of reason is double standards?" He could come and go with Penelope as he pleased, yet the moment she had dinner with another man, he lost control. Caleb's tone left no room for debate. "Penny's already moved out. I'll take you to Haven now, pack your things, and bring you home." "And if I refuse?" Sydney shot back. "Syd, you don't get a choice in this," Caleb said. The elevator doors opened as he pulled her forward.
"Hampton." A deep, steady echoed. "I step away to take a call, and my sister disappears. Turns out you dragged her out here?" Caleb's brow creased, but relief washed over him when he realized the situation. He glanced at Sydney. "You were having dinner with Julian?" Sydney hummed, doubling her embarrassment in front of Julian and yanking her hand free. Her skin was delicate. Just from that brief grip, a red mark had already risen on her pale wrist. Julian's expression darkened.
"She doesn't even have the freedom to share a meal with someone?" "Of course she does," Caleb said, forcing patience into his voice. "I just worry she might run into someone with bad intentions, someone who could take advantage of her. If I'd known she was with you, I wouldn't have worried. 11 Everyone in their circle knew how fiercely Julian protected Sydney. Back in middle school, Sydney had already been pretty enough to attract endless love letters. Julian had tossed every single one into the trash. Nothing enraged him more than a boy daring to covet his sister.
With Julian watching over her, Caleb felt more at ease. Julian checked Sydney's wrist, rubbing the mark while his gaze darkened. "She's an adult now. She has the right to choose who she spends her time with." Sydney froze for a moment. Julian almost sounded like his old self again-the big brother who shielded her, never letting anyone so much as lay a hand on her. Caleb noticed the red mark and felt guilt flicker across his face. 1/2 "I overreacted." He softened his tone, offering her an easy out. "By the way, Julian just moved. We're all going over next week for a housewarming.
Come along." Sydney's first thought wasn't the gathering, but that she could see Yoyo openly. "Got it." Her compliance softened Caleb's gaze. 'She's obedient most of the time,' he thought. Sydney went to the clinic as usual. Ornaments hung at the entrance and over the parking lot. The holiday atmosphere was everywhere. Other departments were nearly empty, yet her appointments still filled as soon as registration opened. Her nurses felt torn-slightly resentful, mostly grateful. Other departments let staff take time off, but hers worked straight through until holiday eve.
Every year, Sydney paid them triple out of her own pocket. The perks here outshone any hospital in town. Knowing patients were eager to leave, Sydney skipped acupuncture, sending them off with medicine if their condition allowed. "Syd, don't forget-come straight over after work," Eliana called. Sydney smiled. "It's Alan's birthday. Even if you hadn't invited me, I'd have to crash the party." Alan's medical skill was impressive. If he wanted, his door would be flooded with guests for days. 2/2