Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 286

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 286**

**Chapter 286**

Tiffany couldn’t shake the feeling that Caleb had completely lost his grip on reality. Their marriage had ended a long time ago, yet he still carried himself with the air of a devoted husband, as if he were performing in a sentimental play that had long since lost its audience.

The small amount of alcohol she had consumed during dinner felt more like a splash of fruit juice than anything intoxicating. Her mind remained razor-sharp, her expression carefully neutral. She replied with a steady voice, “There was a sudden issue in the lab. She had to rush over.”

Tiffany had always dismissed Sydney’s connection with Julian as nothing more than a friendship forged through years of shared experiences. After all, he had been her guardian for nearly a decade. They had merely grown up side by side, navigating the complexities of life together.

Yet, she couldn’t ignore the fact that others might interpret their bond differently. If the wrong kind of gossip began to swirl, it could spread like wildfire, especially with Caleb, the ex-husband, standing right there, a silent storm brewing in his eyes.

Caleb’s gaze narrowed, but his face maintained that familiar mask of courteous calm, a facade he had perfected over the years. “Alright. Sorry to disturb you,” he said, his voice betraying nothing.

He turned as if to leave in peace, but instead, he strode purposefully toward the underground garage, a determined look etched on his face.

With a heavy foot, he drove through the night, the city lights blurring into streaks of color as he headed toward the research institute.

Though Tiffany had given him no indication of anything amiss, a gnawing suspicion clawed at his insides. He had to know where Sydney was, what she was doing, and—most importantly—who she was with.

Sterling Corp. was notorious for its stringent security protocols, especially at night. The guards were vigilant, patrolling the grounds with a keen eye, ever watchful for intruders hoping to exploit the tranquility of the late hours.

With the latest R&D project now deemed a top priority, management had issued a clear directive: no mistakes, no chances.

So when Caleb’s car came to a halt at the gate, the security personnel were quick to intercept him.

“Sir, may we inquire about your business here?” one of the guards asked, his tone professional yet firm.

“I’m here to see someone,” Caleb replied, his voice steady but laced with urgency.

“And who would that be, sir? Which department?”

“R&D. Sydney Wilson.”

The sight pierced through him like a sharp, merciless blade, twisting pain deep within his core. He felt the weight of despair settle on his shoulders, forcing him to hunch slightly, as if trying to shield himself from the reality unfolding before him.

Before arriving, he had promised himself that if he discovered anything truly troubling, he would march up, knock on the door, and bring Sydney home, no matter the cost.

But now, as he stood frozen in place, his legs felt as heavy as lead. He couldn’t bring himself to move, to confront the truth that loomed just beyond his reach.

As long as he remained at a distance, he could convince himself that it wasn’t real, that it was merely a figment of his imagination.

Inside, Sydney entered the room, and her eyes immediately landed on the birthday cake sitting proudly on the dining table.

The fact that Julian had remembered her birthday caught her off guard. It had been eight long years since they had last celebrated such a personal occasion together. In her mind, it would have made far more sense for him to forget entirely.

Julian stood beside the cake, his gaze fixed on it in contemplative silence. He opened the shoe cabinet, pulled out her slippers, and handed them to her, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

“Don’t feel like having cake anymore?” he asked, his voice soft, almost hesitant, as if he were treading carefully on fragile ground.