Chapter 164 Sydney denied it without hesitation . She had no way of knowing how long Julian's fleeting interest would last . For all she knew , he could tell her to leave in a few days . There was no reason to say anything that might make Tiffany worry . She changed the topic . " Will this affect your job ? " " No. " Tiffany shook her head , then added , " You know , Julian might seem cold and ruthless , but he's meticulous when handling things . He already had Sterling Corp.'s lawyer call my boss and make it clear this was just his cousin stirring up trouble , nothing to do with me .
" In business , everyone was shrewd . That call had not only cleared her name but also implied a subtle connection to the Sterling family . When she got her phone back from the police , her partners practically tumbled over themselves with concern , all but asking outright what her relationship with Julian was . Back at their building , they ran into a familiar face as they stepped out of the elevator . Raymond had just come from Julian's place . The gold - rimmed glasses softened the edge in his gaze . " Are you alright ? " The question was clearly not for Sydney .
Sydney blinked , caught off guard . Since when were the two of them familiar ? Tiffany's tone was cool . " I'm fine . " She tugged Sydney along , ready to pass by . But as they brushed shoulders , Raymond suddenly lifted his arm and pressed his palm to Tiffany's forehead . The touch stopped her in her tracks . His hand was as cool as ever . He frowned and glanced at Sydney . " She's running at least 38 degrees . " " Yeah . " Sydney had already noticed in the car that Tiffany must have caught a chill at the station last night . " Once we're home , I'll give her some medicine .
" The house was always stocked with basics . It would be enough for a simple cold . Surprisingly , Raymond wasn't about to let them leave so easily . Or rather , he wasn't about to let Tiffany go . Only then did Sydney realize there was something between them she didn't know . At that moment , the door behind them clicked open . Julian had changed into a tailored suit . He tilted his chin toward her and commanded , " Come here . " The tone was like summoning a dog or Yoyo . But Sydney had already accepted his help . She knew her place .
A mistress did not argue , Her gaze flicked between Tiffany and Raymond , catching the faint current between them . Sensible enough , she obeyed . Before stepping inside , she told Tiffany , " Call me when you're done talking . " 1/2 The door shut , and the elevator turned quiet again . Tiffany stepped back , her reflection in the gleaming doors a picture of dishevelment . The man beside her remained unshakably composed , all elegance and calm . Raymond spoke first . " Did it scare you ? " He meant the ordeal . Tiffany smiled faintly . " No. " She had never been afraid .
She had known Sydney would find a way . Raymond had never encountered that kind of resolute conversation with anyone else . He studied her , and his frown deepened . " Still keeping everyone at arm's length ? " Tiffany had not slept , and her fever pulled her down . Her body felt heavy and her mind was foggy , yet she looked at him and asked almost without thinking , " Can you marry me ? " The flash of surprise on his face told her everything . She had known the answer for three years . Men of his class might toy with a girl from the city's edge , but marry her ? Never .
Otherwise , their ancestors would be rattling in their coffins .