Chapter 118 Tiffany nestled against Sydney's shoulder, murmuring, "If it really doesn't work out, we can leave Jouleston. Once I've saved enough, we'll go somewhere else." Sydney patted her head, offering a faint smile. "Alright, I believe you. We'll go somewhere else." Tiffany had always thrown herself into work, recently showing signs of promotion and a raise. Sydney believed she would only get better. Hence, she kept the truth to herself. Revealing it would accomplish nothing. No matter how far Tiffany climbed-partner at the firm, owner of the firm-it meant nothing against those people.
Leaving Jouleston was impossible. She had tried long ago, listing only out-of-state schools on her college applications. But the one that accepted her was Jouleston University. Eloise had tied her entire life to this city. There was no escape. Unless the old woman died. Only then might there be a way out. Sydney had always sensed it. From the very beginning, Eloise hated her. She just didn't know why. At 4:00 a.m., while the world remained pitch-black, Sydney was woken by a call from the Sterling estate. At that hour, a call from them shredded any lingering drowsiness, leaving only dread.
She answered tightly. "Hello." "Ms. Wilson." It was not Eloise's voice, but Jason's emotionless voice. "The car is at Haven. Please come down." A chill ran down Sydney's spine. They already knew she had moved out. She could guess why. It had to do with what happened at the hotel tonight. It was because of Victor, Eloise's most spoiled grandson. And yet, Sydney had not even pressed charges. Sydney clenched her fists. "Understood." She washed up quickly, changed, and went downstairs. A black Rolls-Royce waited at the entrance. Jason opened the door. "Please, Ms.
Wilson." "Thank you, Jason." The ride was silent. Sydney did not probe for information. She was the only outsider in the Sterling family. Jason served Eloise. Any information he gave was only because she wanted it said. Otherwise, Sydney would learn nothing. The roads were icy despite no snow. On the winding mountain path, the driver slowed. "Mr. Sterling was injured. Do you know what happened?" He meant Victor. Sydney kept her gaze steady, breathing evenly. "I don't know. After I left the hotel, I went straight home." Jason pushed up his glasses, his tone sharp. "Ms.
Wilson, you know the price of lying to Madam Sterling." "I really don't know," Sydney said, pressing her lips together. The car stopped at the old estate, Jason led the way, and Sydney followed step for step, the night pressing down as they approached Eloise's courtyard. She had walked this path countless times. Each time felt like dragging every ounce of strength from her body, as though no light awaited at the end. "Madam Sterling, Ms. Wilson has- " Before he could finish, a teacup flew, shattering against Sydney's forehead. 1/2 She had seen it coming but had not dodged.
The porcelain split her skin, blood spilling hot and bright down her temple to her ankle. Thankfully, it was not filled with hot water. The hall grew oppressive. Faint, intermittent screams came from upstairs. "What are you standing there for?" Eloise's drooping eyes brimmed with rage, seeking release. "Get over here!" "Yes, Grandma." Sydney wiped the blood from her eye, stepped forward, and stopped a few feet away. Eloise rose, narrowing her eyes. "Come closer."