Chapter 196 This New Year's was the most relaxed Sydney had enjoyed in a long time. It felt like a rare blessing to pass the holiday safe and sound. For two or three days straight, nothing stirred across the hall. She and Tiffany stayed home, each absorbed in her own work. The coffee table lay buried under pages of research notes, while the desk was crowded with case files. That afternoon, just as Sydney accepted the cup of coffee Tiffany handed her, the phone lying face down on the table buzzed. She picked it up, glanced at the screen, and answered. "Hey, Bruce.
What's up?" On the other end, Bruce teased, "Syd, New Year's has passed and you didn't even think to call me?" Sydney laughed. "I sent everyone a message." At midnight on New Year's Day, she had sent greetings to all her friends, including the handful of male friends she kept closest. Bruce's tone softened. "Alright, I won't tease. What are you up to now?" "Working at home," Sydney said honestly. Bruce chuckled. "Come on, it's a new year. What are you working for? Bring Tiffany and come hang out with us. I'll send the location." "I'll pass. You guys have fun," Sydney replied.
All she wanted was a few quiet days before facing Caleb and sorting out the divorce. The less contact, the better. Someone's voice rose faintly in the background before Bruce added, "Cal says if you won't come on your own, he'll pick you up." Sydney set her coffee cup down. "I'll go myself." If Caleb came for her, he would insist on driving her back too. She preferred to keep that part under her own control. Bruce burst out laughing, then called over to Caleb, "Look at you trying to win her back. Syd clearly hasn't forgiven you yet." Sydney ignored the jab.
After a quick goodbye, she checked the location Bruce sent and turned to Tiffany. "Tiff, Bruce invited us to the Luxon Club. Want to come?" Tiffany had been out of sorts since returning from her family a few days earlier. Sydney thought an evening out might lift her spirits. Tiffany wasn't in the mood, but seeing the hopeful look in Sydney's eyes, she finally nodded. "Alright." Neither of them liked dragging things out. After a quick freshening up, they left. 1/2 Sydney had been to Luxon before. The staff recognized her immediately and led them straight to a private suite.
At the door, the waiter paused, holding it open. "Ms. Wilson, Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Hampton are inside." "Thank you." Sydney acknowledged him, but as the door opened she caught sight of the lively group within-and Julian, sitting off in the corner with a cigarette between his lips. 'He's here too?' she thought. Caleb waved her over warmly. "Syd, come sit." Sydney, still holding Tiffany's hand, was about to step inside when a familiar, pleasant voice came from behind. "Syd?" Charlotte caught the door before it closed, smiling at her. Then, through the flashing lights, her gaze shifted to Julian.
Sydney faltered for a moment. "Ms. Lindstrom." "Syd, don't call her that," Bruce cut in, his grin sly as he glanced at Julian. "I heard from my old man during New Year's that the Sterling and Lindstrom families have a marriage arrangement. Before long, you'll have to call her 'sister-in-law'..." He never finished. Julian's expression chilled. He plucked the unlit cigarette from his lips, shot Bruce a look that made him seem an idiot, and said flatly, "Whoever made that engagement can marry her." The message was clear: he did not recognize it. Bruce gave a weak laugh.
"Wasn't it your grandmother who arranged it?" "Then let her marry my grandmother," Julian replied carelessly. He snapped the cigarette in half, tossed it into the ashtray, and finally lifted his gaze to Sydney. 2/