Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 282

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 282**

**Chapter 282**

Sydney hesitated for a moment, her brow furrowed in contemplation. “I’m not entirely certain either,” she finally replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Charlotte’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of concern passing through her. She could feel the weight of the situation hanging between them, and it was clear to her that Sydney didn’t fully comprehend the stakes involved. With a steady gaze, she leaned in closer, her tone earnest. “He’s a proud man, Sydney. If you’re divorced, it’s crucial that you tell him sooner rather than later.”

The implications of this conversation loomed large in Charlotte’s mind. She had a nagging feeling that if this issue was left unaddressed, it could lead to a catastrophic fallout. Julian, she thought, was hardly known for his patience.

Sydney was acutely aware of the intricacies of her relationship with Julian. She understood that a few casual words wouldn’t alter the foundation of what they shared. She nodded slowly, trying to absorb Charlotte’s warning. “Okay. I get it,” she said, though her heart felt heavy with the weight of the truth she was avoiding.

But Charlotte, despite her concern for Sydney, only understood Julian’s pride; she had no insight into the depths of Sydney’s own struggles.

The thought of approaching Julian and simply saying, “Julian, I’m divorced,” filled Sydney with dread. To her, it felt like she would be handing him the very weapon that could be used to humiliate her, and that thought made her stomach churn.

Realizing that she had pushed as far as she could without overstepping, Charlotte decided it was time to retreat. Their friendship, while meaningful, was still rooted in a certain distance. She had wrestled with her feelings for Julian for far too long and had ultimately chosen to let go of the engagement. Yet, the years she had spent longing for him still left a bittersweet ache in her chest.

“Alright then, get back to your work. I won’t keep you any longer,” Charlotte said, forcing a bright smile as she turned to leave. She was aware of the tight deadlines looming over the project team, and she knew Sydney needed to focus.

As soon as Charlotte stepped back into the CEO’s office, Henry appeared at the lab door, knocking gently before entering with a bright smile. He sidled up next to Sydney, his demeanor warm and supportive. “Can you manage the workload? Should I bring in two reliable people to help lighten the load?”

Sydney shook her head, a smile breaking through her earlier anxiety. “No need for that,” she replied, her voice steady. “Until this drug is fully developed, no one will really want to work with me anyway.”

A simmering anger twisted her features, and she could feel the assistant’s eyes on her, a reminder that she was being monitored on Eloise’s orders. She swallowed her rage, forcing herself to respond with a measured tone. “I understand. I have plans in place. Don’t worry.”

“You’d better have everything arranged,” the assistant warned, her voice low and serious. “Consider how much funding and resources Madam Sterling was willing to provide. If all that disappears, do you really think she won’t find a way to handle Sydney? Or you?”

Without waiting for a response, the assistant exited the room, leaving Penelope alone. As soon as the corridor was clear, her expression contorted with frustration. In a fit of rage, she swept everything off her desk, sending papers and objects crashing to the floor.

“Bitches!” she spat venomously. “All of you, bitches!”

Why was it that Sydney always seemed to turn her misfortunes into victories? Why did she always emerge unscathed while Penelope felt herself spiraling into chaos?

Her chest heaved with anger, and through clenched teeth, she swore, “Just you wait. I will make every one of you pay. I will make you all disappear!”