The law firm had granted Tiffany a week of paid sick leave . For once , she wasn't working overtime . Curled on the sofa , she focused on her game when the sound of the door closing pulled her gaze up . " What's wrong ? " Sydney shook her head . " Nothing . " Tiffany's eyes flicked to the trash bags in Sydney's hands . Without looking away from the screen , And the garbage ? Aren't you taking it out ? " " I suddenly feel too tired . I don't feel like going downstairs . " she asked , " Sydney set the bags by the shoe cabinet , shrugged off her down coat , and flopped onto the couch .
She didn't want to run into Charlotte again , especially not like that . Julian might have said there was nothing special between him and Charlotte , but the latter seemed to be special in every situation she entered . Sydney hugged her tablet , scrolling through variety shows to chase away the sour feeling in her chest . Casually , she asked , " What are you doing for New Year's ? " " I'll go home for a couple of days tomorrow . " Tiffany's expression darkened . She shut down her game and flopped onto Sydney's arm . " If only your birthday were during New Year's .
Then I'd have the perfect excuse not to go back . " Her birthday was a month away, on February 9 . Sydney patted her head . " It's fine . If it's bad back home , just come back quickly . Keep me company instead . " Across the hall , in 2202 , Julian heard movement from his study . He stepped into the living room , and his darkened at the sight of an unexpected figure in the dining area . " You've completely lost your sense of boundaries , haven't you ? " he jibed . Charlotte shot him a playful look . " Blame yourself for setting such an easy password . " gaze His codes always included 0209.
She had never understood what it meant - not his birthday , not any date she recognized . Julian's expression remained unreadable as he strode to the entryway , opened the door , and reset his lock . Charlotte blinked . " You're really going to guard against me now ? " He didn't answer . " Talk business . " " I ... " She forced down her temper and set a food bag on the table . " From your favorite place . I drove all the way to the south side to get it . " She opened the containers one by one as she spoke .
Julian had been about to dismiss her , but when his eyes landed on the pork ribs and the crisp roast pork , his 1/2 brows lifted slightly . " Fine . It's late . Time for you to go . " An eviction in record time . Her smile faltered . " I came all this way . " His tone was ice . " That's the only reason I'm letting you walk out on your own . ' " Julian . " Her brow furrowed , baffled . " Our families arranged a marriage , remember ? Do you have to treat me this coldly ? " Years ago , Eloise had sealed their engagement . Charlotte had been overjoyed , but Julian had not cared .
The most he had ever conceded was allowing her to join Sterling Corp. Even the secretary's desk had been hers only because she had cried to Eloise . At first , Julian had resisted . She didn't know whatever bargain he might have struck with Eloise , but he had always been disciplined , clean , and free of scandal . The only woman around him had been Charlotte . Yet after three years at his side , he remained so cold that she sometimes wondered whether he had no interest in women at all - or perhaps no interest in anyone .
Julian pulled out his phone, dialed someone , and said flatly , " You sure you want to keep wasting words ? " As she had headed upstairs , she had spotted a bodyguard waiting below . If Julian made that call , her exit would be humiliating . She drew a deep breath . " Fine . I'll leave . "