Lahat ng Kabanata ng Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Kabanata 431 - Kabanata 440

On the morning of Albus' birthday party, Sydney rose early as usual and performed an acupuncture session for Florence.The celebration was scheduled for the evening, so at breakfast, aside from the Hutton family, she was the only guest at the table.Noticing her quiet demeanor, Florence purposely had her sit beside her so she could help with the dishes.Across the table, Megan watched them. The two looked so close and affectionate, like mother and daughter. Her fingers tightened beneath the table, nails digging crescents into her palms until they flushed red.It was happening again. Years ago, when Florence gave birth to Vivian, her affection for Megan had already begun to fade. Now history seemed to be repeating itself.She did not even want to imagine what would happen if Sydney truly turned out to be the Huttons' long-lost Vee. How much would they dote on her then? Would there still be a place for Megan in this home?The more she thought about it, the more certain she became t

Sydney focused entirely on the massage she was giving Elizabeth, unaware of the resentment brewing at the end of the hallway. She chatted easily with Florence, her voice calm and pleasant.Under Sydney's steady hands, Elizabeth's furrowed brow gradually eased. She sighed with contentment and told Florence, "If Vee were here, she'd be giving me a massage too."When Vivian was not yet two, she had returned to Brimcrest with her parents for the holidays. Even then, she was unusually talkative. While other children struggled to form words, she spoke in full sentences. As the youngest and most affectionate child in the family, she had everyone wrapped around her little finger.Even Albus, who rarely smiled, would laugh whenever she coaxed him. She used to hang his military medals around her neck like toys, and he never once scolded her.The mention of her youngest daughter made Florence's nose sting."Isn't that the truth," she murmured softly.Their Vee had been such a gentle, well-b

Sydney wanted to ask the same question she had asked Raymond yesterday. She had planned to wait until they were back in Jouleston, but under the weight of those dark, unreadable eyes fixed on her, the words slipped out before she could stop herself.Julian's brows lifted slightly, his gaze turning unusually serious. "Go ahead.""If…" The question felt heavy, and her courage faltered halfway through. She hesitated, her voice catching in her throat.She feared he might turn the question back on her and say, "Sydney, what makes you think I'd sacrifice my family for you?"But when she thought of the close-knit Hutton family—of how even someone as blunt as Raymond had chosen Tiffany without hesitation—and of Florence's gentle reminder that love and family didn't have to be at odds, Sydney knew she couldn't stay silent. If she didn't ask now, she would never find peace.She lifted her eyes to meet his. His gaze was steady, deep, and unreadable. After a brief struggle, she found her voic

Caleb had no intention of showing up with Penelope again. He had already paid his respects yesterday and offered early birthday wishes to Albus. Today, he made up an excuse to stay away.The Hampton family had never formally split, so Adeline's presence alone was enough to represent them.When she saw police officers approaching their side of the hall, Adeline's expression darkened at once. 'That idiot. What foolish thing had she done this time?!'She was mortified—humiliated, even. Penelope had managed to disgrace the Hamptons not only in Brimcrest but in front of the Huttons as well.Penelope's face drained of color. Instinctively, she began searching for Megan in the crowd. That woman had promised to help her, yet now the police were here, and Megan was nowhere in sight. No warning, no plan—nothing.In the back garden, Florence had heard the commotion.A maid wheeled her over as she looked to Diana. "What happened?""It's about Sydney's car accident," Diana said evenly. "The

As soon as Megan extended her hand, Penelope eagerly removed the pendant and passed it over, certain of her victory.She had stolen that pendant years ago, straight from Sydney's neck. There was no way she could be mistaken. Now it made sense why Megan had asked her yesterday to take it off and let her examine it under the light. She had been confirming Penelope's identity.Penelope's lips quivered, and every muscle in her face strained to contain her growing excitement.Once she became the Hutton family's long-lost daughter, Sydney would have to bow her head for the rest of her life.That car accident case? It would vanish without a trace.Families like the Huttons were powerful, old, and well established. They would never let scandal touch their bloodline.'Sydney, Sydney! So what if you were born under a lucky star? In the end, everything you've done has only paved the way for me!'Penelope nearly burst into laughter, but before she could, Diana's cold gaze fell on the pendan