Chapter 13
Tiffany struggled to follow Sydney’s train of thought. “Why would he agree? A divorce now would definitely hurt Hampton Corp.”
As CEO of a publicly listed company, a divorce would spark speculation. Shareholders would guess about splits and asset divisions. The stock price would take a hit for sure.
Sydney smiled faintly. “You’ll see.”
“All right. As long as you have a plan, I won’t worry. But if things ever get ugly between you and Caleb, just say the word. I’ll step in for you,” Tiffany said.
Sydney shook her head lightly. “Don’t worry. Caleb isn’t that graceless.”
If the scandal hadn’t erupted online, she would still be at a disadvantage. But now the power was hers. Even if only to protect Penelope’s reputation, Caleb would agree to the divorce. It would not end in a messy fallout.
Tiffany had a client to meet. After a few quick reminders, she was ready to leave. Before getting in the car, she remembered something. From the passenger seat, she pulled out a wrapped gift and handed it to Sydney. “Merry Christmas, babe! I’m off!”
Sydney smiled. “Merry Christmas. Drive safe!”
She did not turn back inside until Tiffany’s car disappeared from view, gift in hand.
Nancy was setting dinner on the table. “Ms. Wilson, dinner’s ready.”
“Coming.” As she answered, Sydney ran into Penelope and Timothy coming down the
stairs.
The mother and son wore carefully coordinated Christmas outfits, radiating smug superiority. The way they looked at her felt like the gaze of victors surveying a loser.
Timothy wriggled free from Penelope’s hand and bounded down the steps. He stuck out his chin, smug as ever. “Nyah nyah! Uncle Caleb’s coming to take Mommy and me out for
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dinner! You’re just a lonely woman left at home! Pathetic!”
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His eyes lit up at the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. He grabbed Penelope’s hand and dragged her toward the door. “Hurry, Mommy! Uncle Caleb’s here!”
“Sorry, Syd,” Penelope said sweetly, though her tone dripped with condescension. “Timmy insisted on spending Christmas with Cal. Looks like you’ll be on your own tonight. Don’t take it personally.”
“It’s fine.” Sydney smiled faintly. “A fortune teller once told me I’d live a long life. There’ll be plenty more holidays to celebrate.”
She walked away calmly and unhurriedly.
Penelope blinked, stunned for a moment before the meaning sank in. Her face darkened with rage.
What the hell was that supposed to mean? Was she implying Sydney wouldn’t live long?
That this would be her last Christmas?
Just as Penelope was about to storm off and confront her, she looked up to see Caleb stepping out of the car, watching them silently. Her fury vanished instantly. She quickly composed herself and put on a sweet smile. “Cal, let’s go.”
Caleb did not move. She froze. Only when she followed his gaze did she realize he wasn’t
looking at her. He had been staring after Sydney the entire time.
Penelope’s nails dug into her palms as she hissed, “Cal! Don’t tell me you’re falling for her?”
Caleb snapped out of it and frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“You were staring at her just now!”
“Was I?” he replied, his frown deepening.
Penelope felt the change. He used to hang on her every word. Even at family dinners, if she
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joked about how close he and Sydney seemed, he would step away, keeping his distance.
Now? All she got was a lukewarm, “Was I?”
Penelope’s dissatisfaction showed. “You didn’t even hear me calling you.”
“I was just thinking about work,” Caleb said.
She finally breathed easier. Reaching out, she poked him in the waist. “You better not fall for her, you hear? Don’t forget your promise from when we were kids.”
“Don’t worry.” At the mention of that promise, a rare softness touched Caleb’s expression. “I haven’t forgotten.”
