There was no hint of surprise in Sydney's eyes . Caleb held her gaze . " Once I finish this , I'll come help you move back . " Without Penelope in the way , she would likely agree to return . He did not wait for Sydney's reply . His car roared off , tires hissing against the wet asphalt . He was in a rush , just as he always had been when dropping everything to run to Penelope . Sydney felt nothing - no surprise or disappointment . She drove straight to the lab and immersed herself in work . Perhaps Charlotte's scolding last time had made an impact .
The two male colleagues in the medicine group , who had long looked down on her , had become unexpectedly cooperative over the past few days . Their newfound teamwork accelerated research progress . That afternoon , for the first time in a while , Sydney did not stay late in the lab . She went shopping instead and picked up a variety of specialty goods . The next morning , before dawn , she collected Alan and Eliana and drove them to the airport . With the New Year approaching , the roads were packed .
Traffic crawled over the overpass , and only after a long wait did she manage to drop them at the terminal . Just as she started the engine to leave , her phone rang . " Hello ? " " Hello , this is the Jouleston Police Department . You are Tiffany Voss ' emergency contact , correct ? " The voice was clipped and official . At the sound of Tiffany's name , Sydney's heart sank . " Yes , I am . " Tiffany's family had always favored sons over daughters .
When she was admitted to Jouleston University , they forbade her enrollment , insisting the money would be better spent on her brother's wedding . She had been expected to start working immediately and save for his house . All these years , except for New Year's , Tiffany had barely spoken to her family . Sydney had long served as her only emergency contact . " She is suspected of instigating a witness to commit perjury . She is in custody . Please bring her clothes and personal items as soon as possible . " Sydney went momentarily blank and replied instinctively , " Understood .
I'll come right away . " Rain drizzled against the windshield as the white SUV sliced through the streets , leaving long streaks of water behind . At home , Sydney packed a bag and called the Hampton estate . The housekeeper answered . " George , it's Sydney . Is my mother - in - law home ? " she asked . A brief pause followed before Adeline's cold voice replaced his . " What is it ? " 1/2 Sydney folded clothes into a suitcase and forced herself to speak . " My friend is in trouble . Could I trouble you to find out exactly what happened ? " Sydney knew Tiffany better than anyone .
She would never instigate false testimony . Over the years , Sydney had learned how twisted these cases could become . Ordinary people saw only fragments . Connections were the only way to get the full picture . She needed answers before deciding her next move . Adeline sneered , " Sydney , so you finally know how to speak humbly ? When you demanded a million from me , that was not the tone you used . " Sydney's nails dug into her palm . For the first time , she regretted her past defiance . How had she dared clash head - on with Adeline ?
The thought of Tiffany trapped , helpless and desperate , drew a shaky breath from her . " I was reckless , blinded by greed . Please do not hold it against me . " " Too late . " Adeline's laugh was sharp and cutting . " Sydney , I always said you were clever . You acted sweet and obedient for years just to marry into our family . But you are truly foolish . How dare you burn bridges with me when you had nothing to rely on? " Today's Bonus Offer GET IT NOW X