Once Doormat Now Untouchable

----Chapter 628Florence still could not be bothered to acknowledge him. Sheturned only to Diana. "Then what do you think we should do?"“Let's go see her first," Diana said. She knew how much hermother worried about Sydney. "Once she's recovered a bit andthe baby is completely stable, we'll find the right moment to tellher, okay?”The memory of Sydney's pale face from the night before hadkept Diana awake for most of the night, haunted by the fear thatsomething might go wrong. Thankfully, she had checked withJulian that morning and knew the situation was improving.Even so, she did not dare show up and drop a bomb by blurtingout, "We're sisters by blood.”For the Huttons, finding Vee again was a once-in-a-lifetime joy.Albus and Elizabeth had rushed overnight from Brimcrest, soelated that they had nearly gone straight to the Sterling family toacknowledge her.But for Sydney, things were different. She had survived all thoseyears of hardship alone. Now she had a loving home and athriving career. Her life no longer needed the Huttons to rescueher in the snow. They could not afford to arrive too late and thenadd more weight to her burden.----Given Sydney's temperament, once she learned that Florencehad lived with a disability for years because of her, guilt wouldbe unavoidable. The baby might not withstand anotheremotional shock so soon.Naturally, Florence cared most about Sydney's health. As long asSydney was well, she could finally rest easy.“All right. Hurry and have people prepare the foods Vee likes,along with some gifts. And don't forget something for Julian'sgrandmother too."This would be their first visit since learning Sydney's identity.Even without a formal acknowledgement, they had to treat theiryoungest daughter properly."I've already arranged everything," Diana replied. "Don't worry.”At the clinic, Marcus learned about Sydney's condition andimmediately placed her on extended leave, instructing her tofocus on rest and caring for the baby,After breakfast, Sydney settled into a chair in the backyard andsoaked up the sunlight to get some calcium. Yoyo sprawled byher legs, tail swishing lazily from side to side.When Julian came out with a plate of fruit, this was the scene----that greeted him.He slowed to a stop, his thoughts drifting. It probably happenedbecause this was not the first time he had seen something likethis. It had simply been so long that the sight felt almost unreal.Back then, the girl also loved sunbathing, and Yoyo alwaysstayed close to her. The only difference was that there had beenjust one lounge chair, shared half by the girl and half by the dog.Now she was pregnant, and Yoyo had grown too big. One chaircould no longer hold them both. Yet the sunlight remained thesame. So did she. So did Yoyo.Julian snapped back to himself and glanced at the mangoes onthe plate. They were still her favorite, unchanged for ten years. Asoft smile curved at his lips.Hearing movement, Sydney turned and met his gaze. Shesquinted slightly against the light, her voice bright with delight."Mango?"“Mm.” Julian nodded and walked over. He speared a piece witha fork and brought it to her lips. "Is it sweet?”She took a bite. Rich sweetness filled her mouth, and she lookedup at him at once. "Very sweet. You should try some too."Sydney had beautiful eyes. When she looked at him like this, herlashes curved upward, and her clear, luminous gaze reflected----only himSomething stirred in Julian. His voice dropped a notch. "Can | trythem?"“Sure.”She had barely nodded when he bent down, cupped her chin,and kissed her without warning.Her eyes flew open. ‘In broad daylight?!Thankfully, he knew when to stop and took only a brief taste.Even so, he still commented with exaggerated seriousness, "Yeah. Very sweet.”His tone sounded proper enough, but the teasing glint in hiseyes betrayed him.Sydney felt both embarrassed and annoyed. She forced herselfto ignore the heat creeping up her ears and shot him a glare."Get lost!""Oh?" A voice sounded behind them, deliberately wounded. "Sonow that you're with him, you've learned to be heartless too? |just got here, and you're already telling me to leave?"