Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 271

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 271**

**Chapter 271**

Lately, Sydney had noticed a distinct shift in the atmosphere whenever Elliot and the others reported back to Julian. Their exchanges had become curt, stripped of any unnecessary details, almost as if they were racing against an invisible clock.

As she stepped through the front door, the familiar scent of home enveloped her, and she paused to change her shoes, the soft thud of her soles against the floor echoing in the quiet hallway. “Didn’t you used to hate it when people rambled on?” she teased lightly, glancing back over her shoulder.

Julian, following her at a leisurely pace, caught her waist with a swift, practiced motion and lifted her effortlessly onto the entryway cabinet. His dark eyes roamed over her, a flicker of amusement dancing within them. “I feel like listening now,” he replied, his voice smooth and inviting.

The warm, rich aroma of his cologne mixed with the faint sandalwood scent of his skin, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that made her cheeks flush. She felt her ears heat up under his gaze, and despite herself, she found it hard to resist his charm. With a resigned sigh, she began to relay the trivial update he likely already knew.

“It’s that security camera I asked Elliot to install. It actually came in handy today.”

“Is that all?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, a hint of playful skepticism in his tone.

In that moment, she realized she was almost more succinct than his secretaries—how ironic it was that the woman who once could talk for hours about the most mundane topics had now become so brief.

“That’s it,” she confirmed, nodding as she stifled a yawn that threatened to escape. “I’m really tired.”

The truth was, she hadn’t slept in over twenty-four hours. After an exhausting day spent immersed in research at the lab, her body was pleading for rest.

Julian’s gaze softened as he took in her weary eyes, glistening with fatigue. He reached out, patting her head gently, a gesture of affection that made her feel both cherished and vulnerable. “Wait here,” he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“For what?” she asked, curiosity piqued, but before she could finish her question, he had already strode off, disappearing into the apartment across the hall.

Moments later, Yoyo, their spirited dog, spotted her and bounded forward, only to be swiftly caught by the scruff of his neck in a playful yet firm grip.

Julian began unpacking the dishes with practiced ease, settling beside her. “Eat properly. Don’t think you can get away with just a couple of bites,” he admonished gently, a playful glint in his eye.

“Julian, are you getting old? Is that why you suddenly enjoy hearing people ramble and talking more yourself?” Sydney blurted out, too drowsy to catch her words before they tumbled out.

He nearly laughed, the sound rich with disbelief. “What did you just say?”

As he lowered his gaze, his eyes flicked to his attire—the fitted black sweater and casual pants that seemed to reflect the style of men her age.

The chill in his voice snapped her back to reality, and she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Realizing the implications of her words, she ducked her head, hastily shoveling food into her mouth. “Nothing,” she mumbled, focusing intently on her plate in an attempt to hide her flustered state.

As she hurriedly finished her meal, her foggy mind began to clear. She realized that Julian had already showered, yet he lingered in her apartment, showing no signs of leaving anytime soon.

With a slight turn of her head, she swallowed the last of her juice and tried to refuse him gently. “I’m really too tired tonight…” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, hoping he would understand.