Chapter 159: Once Doormat Now Untouchable

Chapter 159 Julian's dark eyes locked on hers . " Caleb wouldn't even agree to this ? " " I haven't asked him yet , " Sydney replied . " Then why ask me ? " Sydney froze . Only then did she realize she still trusted Julian more than anyone else . She had spoken without weighing her words . Seeing his unchanged , distant expression , she clenched her palm . " If you don't want to , then forget it . " If he refused , no one could force him . Back in her apartment , her gaze stayed fixed on the clock .

She stared until her eyes burned and emotions reached a breaking point , then suddenly grabbed her phone and dialed Alan . The call connected . The plane had landed safely . Her voice rushed out , a mix of shock and relief . " Alan , did Johnson pick you up ? I need to ask you for a favor- " " Syd . " His voice was breathless , urgent . " The flight landed early . We took a cab ourselves . There was an accident on the way . Eliana is badly hurt , and we're headed to the hospital now . " So this was what they meant by , " When it rains , it pours . " Sydney shot up from the couch . " And you ?

Are you okay ? What about her ? Does she need- " " I'm fine , " he cut her off , knowing her too well . " Don't worry . Don't come . By the time your visa's sorted , she'll likely be discharged . ' " But- " " Do as I say . When we return , you can come see her at the house . " " Alright . " She forced herself to calm down . He was right . She couldn't leave immediately anyway . " If either of you need anything , call me anytime . " Most assumed Alan was nagged by his wife , but Sydney knew better . His wife rarely controlled him . He loved her . Now was not the time to add to his burden .

She hung up quietly . ' But Tiffany ... ' Sydney felt on the verge of breaking . She paced the apartment , phone in hand , anxiety clawing at her . Who else could she turn to ? Bruce ? No. He was a genuine rich heir , but the real power in his family lay with his friend , the Sterling heir . In the end , the only one capable of intervening was Julian . Her heart was torn with indecision as she stopped at the entryway and dug her nails into her palm . She knew she should go to him . Still , panic clouded her thoughts . 1/2 Meanwhile , Victor's patience snapped , and he called her .

" Still haven't made up your mind ? " His voice slid into a mocking warning . " Keep hesitating , and I can't guarantee what might happen to your dear friend . " " I've made up my mind ! " Her voice cracked , spilling out before she could stop it . Victor laughed . " Then hurry up and- " She cut him off and hung up . She had decided to go and beg Julian . Sydney couldn't hesitate any longer . She yanked open her door , strode across the hall , and pressed his doorbell . It was four in the morning . She braced herself for silence , for no answer .

Almost immediately , the door opened , as if he had been waiting . Julian stood in a loose dark robe , the foyer light carving his features into sharp relief . His jaw was knife - edged , his eyes deep and unfathomable , watching her with a faint , detached gaze . He did not speak , merely waited . The air around him radiated authority , dominance carried to its absolute edge . Sydney's fingers trembled at her sides . She lifted her head and summoned every ounce of courage . " Julian , you must have at least a little interest in me , right ? " 2/2