Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 296

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 296**

**Chapter 296**

As Penelope slid into the car, she suddenly became aware of the clammy sensation clinging to her back. It was only then that she realized how drenched in sweat she was. The oppressive heat of the day had seeped into her skin, but it wasn’t the heat that made her uneasy. No, it was the Sterling family that loomed over her like a dark cloud, a constant reminder of their immense power and wealth in Jouleston. The old witch herself didn’t frighten her as much as the thought of crossing the entire Sterling lineage did.

With her heart racing, she gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white. She had to get her hands on Sydney’s work—whatever it took. The winding mountain road seemed endless, and the fear that enveloped her felt almost suffocating. She finally pulled over to the side, her body trembling with anxiety, and quickly typed out a text message, her fingers shaking as she hit send.

…

Back at the Hampton residence, Adeline was quick to notice Penelope’s disheveled appearance. “Where did you rush off to in such a state?” she asked, her voice sharp and piercing.

Penelope approached, gently ruffling Timothy’s hair as she tried to steady herself. “To the Sterlings,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“And what did they say to you?” Adeline’s eyes narrowed, suspicion etched across her face. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Don’t tell me you offended them?”

The mere thought sent chills down Penelope’s spine. If she had indeed crossed the Sterlings, it would spell disaster for the Hamptons.

“Who offended them?” Penelope snapped, her temper flaring at the memory of her encounter. “The moment I stepped inside, that old crone from the Sterling family hurled something at me!”

‘Crazy old hag!’ The image of the woman’s twisted face flashed in her mind. How had Sydney endured this for years?

Seeing that no real conflict had erupted, Adeline’s demeanor softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. “You really think the Sterling family is an easy one to engage with? I warned you before about taking risks that could leave you worse off than before.”

“Mom, you make it sound like if I actually manage to connect with the Sterlings, the Hamptons won’t benefit at all,” Penelope retorted, her tone laced with sarcasm.

It was a simple truth, one that hung heavily in the air between them.

Adeline had no retort; the silence spoke volumes. “Of course, it would be advantageous for us if we benefited. But remember, if you fail, our family won’t be there to shield you,” she cautioned, her voice dropping to a grave whisper.

The weight of those words sank in. If she stumbled, the repercussions would be severe.

“Of course I can,” Sydney replied, her tone warm and accommodating. “Didn’t you say friends owe each other favors?”

“Right, right,” Charlotte said, a playful smile creeping onto her face as she extended her hand. “Come on, take my pulse. I’ll treat you to lunch as a thank you. There’s a fantastic restaurant just around the corner from your clinic.”

Sydney pressed her fingers against Charlotte’s wrist, feeling the steady thrum of her pulse. “Seems the medicine I gave you is working quite well.”

“How so?” Charlotte blinked, curiosity lighting up her features. “Is my pulse better?”

Sydney shook her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “No, you’ve just started talking more.”

‘More chatter, but cuter,’ she added silently to herself, amused by Charlotte’s animated demeanor.

Charlotte froze for a moment, then cleared her throat, attempting to regain her composure. “I don’t chatter. I just talk more when I’m with a friend.”

Raising an eyebrow, Sydney chose not to respond, her focus unwavering as she continued to take Charlotte’s pulse, the camaraderie between them palpable in the air.