Chapter 132 Sydney couldn't read Julian, so she instinctively leaned back. "Mr. Sterling, are you trying to set me up with someone?" "I could." Julian's broad shoulders loomed as he bent closer, nearly engulfing her. His voice was smooth, coaxing. "So, what kind of guy do you want to have fun with?" The earlier words had slipped out before Sydney could stop them. If she backed down now, he would only laugh at her again. Thus, she straightened, put on a serious face, and began listing her requirements. Her ideal used to be someone like Caleb-polished, gentle, a perfect gentleman. Now?
That was exactly the kind of man she despised most. She couldn't define what she wanted, but she knew what she didn't. "Definitely not the polished, gentlemanly type. Basically, the opposite. And someone who wouldn't bow to the Hamptons' influence.' "Ms. Wilson, the opposite of that is domineering, sharp-tongued, and cold." Peter chuckled from the front seat." Sounds like you're describing Mr. Sterling. He's the only one in this city who doesn't care about the Hamptons' power." Sydney froze. Her mind went blank. Peter wasn't wrong. Wasn't that the same as reading Julian's ID number aloud?
As if she had the guts to have fun with Julian. The car rolled steadily on, streetlights flickering across Julian's face. He leaned closer. His half-lidded eyes seemed to ask when she had grown bold enough to think something so reckless. Her heart pounded. She opened her mouth to explain, but his low, teasing voice cut her off. "Not only do you want an open marriage, now you're thinking about a 'taboo' relationship too?" Nine years of being nominal siblings made it truly taboo. The faint sandalwood scent she had grown up with surrounded her, reminding her just how wrong her thoughts were.
Heat rushed to Sydney's ears. She shoved Julian back into his seat. "What are you even thinking? Even if I dared to go for something taboo, I would never dare try it with you!" She didn't dare. The corner of Julian's mouth curved almost imperceptibly before he slipped back into his usual cold detachment. " There's no shortage of people lining up to have fun with me. You can wait your turn." Sydney hadn't expected such arrogance. Embarrassment prickled across her skin, and she wished she could sink through the floor. She turned quickly, seizing on Peter instead.
"Peter, are we close to the restaurant yet?" "Next intersection," he said. The moment Sydney stepped out of the car, the cold wind cooled her burning face, and she finally felt she could breathe again. Julian had brought her to one of the city's most famous restaurants. Its reputation came less from flavor than from exclusivity and price. Dining here was a status symbol. Ordinary people couldn't even book a table without waiting months. The last time she'd been here was also with Julian, on his twentieth birthday. She had emptied her savings to treat him and his friends.
Afterward, they tried to shoo her away before their "second round." Julian, still holding her hand, had refused outright. "You guys go play. I'm taking her to class." He had never once missed those rides to her tutor's house. Time flew. Ten years had passed in a blink. "Too pricey for you?" Julian asked, glancing back at her. Sydney shook off her thoughts and caught up with two quick steps. "I'm not that stingy." The restaurant had been renovated in recent years-modern, chic, almost unrecognizable. The owner, unchanged, personally led them to a private room.
"You order," Sydney said, sliding the menu full of market-price dishes across the table. Without looking, Julian rattled off several dishes like a regular. The owner raised a brow. "No endive salad today?" S Julian tipped his chin toward Sydney, his voice calm. "Someone doesn't eat bitter stuff." 212