On the way to the police station , Sydney could not stop turning the thought over in her mind . With Eloise , she had always endured and swallowed insult after insult because she knew the old woman's capabilities . She was certain Eloise despised her . Those eyes often regarded her as if she were already dead , yet the woman never struck the final blow . Sydney had no power , no backing . She could not afford to provoke her . To survive , she had to stay meek . She had to endure . However , she had not endured in the Hampton family .
Perhaps she had assumed she discovered Adeline's weakness , finally a leverage point to bargain with . At the police station ... The officers accepted the bag of clothes and promptly told Sydney to leave . Sydney could not just walk away . " Officer , what's really happening with Tiffany's case ? She would never persuade anyone to commit perjury . " The officer hesitated . " We've had orders from higher up . It's serious . Until it's settled , no one is allowed to see her . " The words made Sydney's stomach tighten . What kind of case required " orders from higher up ?
" She pressed her lips together , about to push further , when her phone rang . The caller ID made her stomach drop . She thanked the officer quickly , hurried outside , and answered in a hard , cold voice . " Was it you ? Did you set up Tiffany ? " " Well , well . " Victor's voice was lazy , mocking . " Getting all worked up already ? " Any remaining doubt vanished . Sydney asked , " What do you want ? " " I want you to beg me , " Victor drawled carelessly . " Victor ! " Rain poured harder , and Sydney did not bother opening her umbrella . She strode toward her car , speaking fast .
" Why drag Tiffany into this ? Do you know what you're doing ? You'll ruin her life ! " In university , Tiffany had fought tooth and nail to study . After graduating , she had worked even harder . If this charge stuck , everything she had built would collapse . " Cut the crap . " Victor's voice carried a cold finality . Consequences never touched him . He only sneered , " Sydney , I'm done with the hard way this time . This time , I want you to come to me yourself . I want you to climb into my bed willingly . " Sydney's eyes burned red with fury , and she ground her teeth . "In your dreams .
" 1/2 She knew this was not his idea . He lacked the brains for it . Undoubtedly , it was Penelope's scheme again . Sydney forced herself to think clearly . Then she floored the gas , steering straight for Viridian Garden . If Adeline would not lift a hand , she would go to Caleb . Over the phone , Victor chuckled , unbothered . " Dream or not , we'll see soon enough . You have one night to think it over . If I don't see you before dawn tomorrow , your friend can look forward to prison . " He hung up . Sydney pressed her foot harder , nearly to the floor .
By the time she reached Viridian Garden , she barely stopped the car . She left the engine running as she flung open the door and rushed inside . Upon hearing the car in the courtyard , Kelly Watts hurried to open the gate . She was surprised to see Sydney in such a panic . " Ms. Wilson , why are you back ? " " Where's Caleb ? " Sydney asked , breathless , desperate to clutch at the last straw . Kelly shook her head . " He isn't here . He has hardly come home these past few days . " ' So that's what Caleb meant when he said Penelope had moved . He moved out with her , ' she thought bitterly .