Chapter 168 Sydney felt the weight of his hand on hers , her other palm braced against his leg . She understood now that their balance had changed . In this relationship , Julian held all the power . She nodded . " I know . " The car eased to a smooth stop in front of Sterling Corp.'s headquarters . A knock tapped against the tinted window . It was Charlotte . Even though the privacy glass separated them , Sydney instinctively pulled free from his grip and slid back into her seat . Meeting Julian's sharp , displeased gaze , she explained primly , " We're at work .
" There should be clear lines between business and personal . Julian let it drop and stepped out with the cool , aloof poise that came as naturally as breathing . The man who had pressed her into his arms moments before was gone . Charlotte had been about to speak when her eyes flicked past him , catching sight of Sydney in the back seat . Surprised , she blinked . " Syd , heading to R & D ? " " Yes , " Sydney said , nodding . Charlotte smiled , then turned to Julian . " Mr. Sterling , where were you this morning ? The shareholder meeting had to be rescheduled .
" Something about their exchange struck Sydney as odd . A secretary should not speak so casually or bluntly to her employer . Julian shot her a cool glance . " Who's the boss here ? You or me ? " ' Cutting , but typical , ' Sydney thought . Charlotte seemed unfazed . She laughed it off and redirected her attention to Sydney . " What do you think , Syd ? Is your brother's work ethic acceptable ? " Sydney , with no ground to stand on , dared not respond . Luckily , the entryway remained quiet . She seized the moment , slipping from the car . " There's a meeting in R & D . I should go .
" She bolted . Sydney arrived just in time , steadying herself before diving into work . At first , Henry had assumed she was too young to lead the Medicine team . But after weeks of collaboration , he recognized her skill and authority . Her subordinates would benefit enormously from following her guidance . By the meeting's end , after hearing her latest proposal , he said with genuine respect , " Dr. Wilson , it looks like you really might develop an anti - cancer drug with zero side effects . At your age , such depth in medicine is rare . " 1/2 Sydney smiled lightly . " Not might .
I will . " Her certainty silenced the room . Faces shifted in shock , doubt , even scorn . Zero side effects ? That was a bold claim - maybe too bold . Many assumed Henry's praise had been polite . And here she was , stating it as fact . Catching the unwavering light in her eyes , Henry nodded again . " Then I'll await the results . " Had she said this at the start , he might have dismissed it outright . But anyone who had engaged with her professionally even once would recognize the truth : her expertise ran far deeper than her resume suggested .
She was no ordinary Jouleston University Medicine graduate . When the meeting ended , Sydney stepped into the hall and saw Charlotte waiting . Charlotte had brought snacks , handing them out for others before approaching with a cup of coffee . Offering it with a warm smile , she said , " I'm free tonight . Want to grab dinner together after work ? " Sydney thanked her but shook her head . " Sorry , not tonight . I need to get home early . " Tiffany was still recovering , and she wanted to be there for her . 2/2