Chapter 162 Ever since learning that Charlotte was not his girlfriend , Sydney had unconsciously ignored the possibility that there was still someone else . Not Charlotte - but another woman . If that were true , what had her behavior last night meant ? Unease crept in at the thought . Julian heard her shift and turned his head , glancing at her . He finished speaking into the phone with patient calm , then hung up and looked back . " Your head's clear now ? " His voice held the same calm as always , as if nothing had happened . Sydney froze as she realized that he meant last night .
Remembering that he had a girlfriend , she suddenly did not know how to respond . As for Tiffany , she assumed Julian had already handled it . If she tried to back out now , it would look like using him and discarding him . Worse , it might irritate him and leave Tiffany in an even more precarious position . But if she didn't back out ... She stayed silent , brows drawn , lips pressed tight . Julian arched a brow at her hesitation . " So , how long are you planning to sell yourself to me ? " " I ... " Sydney hesitated , then forced the words out .
" I just remembered that you have a girlfriend . " He paused , recalling what he had said in the underground garage . He had tossed the words out casually , but she had held onto them all this time . He gave a brief , even laugh . " We broke up . " Relief slid through her chest . She opened her mouth , but his unhurried drawl cut in . ' And besides , even if I hadn't , it would still be fair . I have a girlfriend , and you're married . Sydney , if I can play the other man , why should you care ? " His voice carried a faint mockery , a deliberate taunt . Her breath caught .
In that instant , she realized another overlooked fact . She knew they were divorced , but Julian did not . Perhaps it was for the best . For appearances ' sake , he would keep their secret buried . She dropped her gaze . " Then , how long do you want ? " " Depends on my mood . " Typical of him - capricious , unyielding . She knew she had no room to negotiate , " Alright . Whenever you're tired of me , just say the word . " " I have one condition . " His voice cooled . Standing by the table , Sydney looked up instinctively . " What is it ?
" He leaned one hand on the table and closed the distance . His dark eyes locked onto hers with a force that stole her breath . " From now on ... Caleb is not allowed to touch you again . Not even a finger . " 1/2 Sydney was not surprised and agreed immediately . " Fine . " She wouldn't have needed him to say it anyway . That distance would remain between her and Caleb . When Julian fell silent , she blinked . "That's it ? " " Yeah . " His gaze flicked away , indifferent again . " You washed up yet ? " " No , I'll just go ...
He caught her wrist in a firm grip and tilted his jaw toward the master bathroom . " There are new toiletries in the drawer . " " Okay . " She did not refuse . She had already offered herself , so there was no point in being delicate now . After brushing and washing in the bathroom , she set her toothbrush down and noticed his black electric one beside it . She lowered her gaze to her white toothbrush . One black , one white . Even the cups were paired . His deep blue , hers pale pink . After a pause , she lined them up neatly .
Shuffling out in slippers , she froze at the sight of the thick cheese omelet on the table . For a heartbeat , she went blank . As a child , she had hated boiled eggs . Breakfast had always been rolled omelets , because she loved them . Julian disliked cheese , yet each time he would eat it with a frown - he had silently allowed the chef to keep making it for her . Now he acted as though he hadn't noticed her daze . He pulled out a chair and sat . " Eat . " Sydney couldn't let go of her worry . " When can I go to the police station ? "