Chapter 179 Caleb remained wary of him . He forced a smile . " You're overthinking . I just wanted to take her home . " Julian's gaze was sharp . " Does she want to ? " Publicly , the Hampton and Sterling families had always been business partners . Privately , the two men had grown up together . Now , with Julian and Sydney reconciled , Julian was something like a brother - in - law to Caleb . Caleb softened his tone to avoid escalating the tension . " Every couple has quarrels . They fight and make up . It's not as serious as you think .
" At the words " they fight and make up , " Sydney instinctively glanced at Julian , catching the icy flash in his eyes . Suddenly , Julian reached out , ruffled her hair , and chuckled . " I don't care if it's fighting , making up , or fighting and divorcing . Either way , as long as she doesn't want to , no one's taking her from me . " His usual offhanded drawl carried a steely authority that brooked no challenge . Inside , the others had overheard the tension and approached . Raymond immediately sensed the sharp edge between the two men . He patted Caleb's shoulder .
" If Syd doesn't want to move back , let her stay here . Wait until she's willing . " " Exactly , " Bruce added . Although he was Caleb's friend , he had witnessed firsthand how Sydney had been treated before . " Cal , frost doesn't build up overnight . If you really want her to come back with you , it has to be her choice . And with Jules watching over her , it's not like some other man will get a chance . " Caleb studied Sydney in silence for a long moment . Reflecting on Bruce's words , he grudgingly admitted they had a point .
If Marcus ever tried to approach her , Julian would be the barrier . Finally , he sighed . " Fine . Once your anger cools , you can come back anytime . " He glanced at Julian again , uneasy . " I'll trouble you to take care of her for now . " Julian's eyes flicked toward Sydney . His tone was lazy , almost teasing . " Wouldn't call it trouble . " " All right then . " Raymond checked his watch and waved at the others . " It's late . Let's head out . I've got to rush back to Brimcrest tonight . " The Hutton family's rules were strict .
Tomorrow was New Year's Eve , and everyone was expected to be at home early . Once the group entered the elevator , Raymond hesitated , then turned back to Sydney . " Didn't see Tiffany today . Where is she ? " " She's ... " Sydney looked to Julian . Seeing him nod , she answered honestly , " She went home for the New Year . " Raymond frowned slightly , then he gave a small nod . " All right . Thanks . " 1/2 The elevator doors closed , leaving the hallway quiet . Sydney exhaled slowly , then asked , " Julian , is there something between Raymond and Tiff ?
" She had sensed it the day she picked Tiffany up from the police station , but Tiffany had been too ill to talk , and Sydney had held back . Julian raised an eyebrow . " You want to know ? " " Yes . " " Go shower first . " He tugged her back inside , steering her toward the master bathroom . Sydney's scalp tingled . Her period had just ended. Instinctively , the doctor in her asked , " Did you prepare protection ? " Julian looked momentarily caught off guard , even choking slightly . He covered his lips with a fist and coughed , though he did not stop walking .
His dark eyes returned to her . " What protection ? " " Condoms . "