Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 256

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 256**

**Chapter 256**

Agatha took a deep breath, her tone measured and deliberate. “Let me explain,” she started, her voice imbued with a hint of uncertainty. “For reasons that escape me, my grandson is still eager to meet you. He hasn’t shared much else, but would you be willing to come by my house in a few days?”

Sydney could sense a flicker of hesitation in Agatha’s words, and quickly, she added, “I assure you, he’s not the kind to flit from one interest to another. He likely just wants to forge a friendship.”

That notion didn’t unsettle Sydney. She firmly believed that a person’s character was molded by their upbringing, and Agatha was undeniably a woman of integrity and warmth. Therefore, it was reasonable to assume her grandson would reflect those qualities.

Yet, Sydney’s own schedule was a tangled web of obligations. “I’m not entirely sure I can make it. Perhaps I could reach out once I find a moment of freedom?”

“That’s perfectly fine,” Agatha replied, her voice easing with understanding. Yet, there was an undercurrent of worry in her tone as she pressed on, “Sydney, nothing troubling has occurred, has it? If you’re facing any sort of difficulty, please, you must confide in me.”

A gentle warmth blossomed in Sydney’s chest at Agatha’s concern. “No, really, there’s no need to worry.”

She could sense that Agatha hailed from a privileged background, but it was only Julian’s steadying influence that kept Caleb in check within the confines of Jouleston. The last thing she wanted was to drag anyone else into potential danger.

With that thought lingering, Agatha finally wrapped up the call. “I’ll let you return to your work then. Whenever you find a moment, do come by for a visit.”

“Sure,” Sydney replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Just as she finished speaking, a sharp knock reverberated through her door, startling her. She moved across the room, ready to greet whoever it was, but the familiar voice of Nancy interrupted her thoughts. “Ms. Wilson, it’s me. Not Mr. Hampton.”

Her hand halted on the doorknob, a flicker of irritation crossing her mind. “You know I divorced Caleb long ago. Please, call me by my name from now on.”

Nancy had been there the first time Sydney had entered into an agreement with Adeline, and that memory lingered uncomfortably in the air.

Her mind was set on visiting Delta Mansion to seek answers that had eluded her for far too long.

Caleb rose from his seat, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face with an unexpected gentleness. “You can,” he replied softly. “I’ve arranged lunch with Bruce and the others. You should join me.”

“I have other plans,” she responded coolly, her voice steady.

To her surprise, Caleb showed no sign of irritation, as if her refusal had simply washed over him. He gestured toward the dining room. “At the very least, have some breakfast.”

It felt as though her anger was striking cotton, dissipating without a place to land.

Frustration bubbled within her, and she snapped, “I said I have other things to do. Caleb, if you continue with this insistence, I won’t hesitate to call Julian right now…”

The uncertainty of whether anyone would pick up crossed her mind, but she was confident that the mere mention of Julian’s name would give Caleb pause.