Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 302

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 302**

**Chapter 302**

The parties hosted by Sterling Corp. were nothing short of extravagant spectacles, overflowing with an air of indulgence that enveloped everyone in the R&D department. Each employee eagerly anticipated the generous bonuses that accompanied these grand celebrations, a well-deserved reward for the hard work they poured into their projects.

Yet, amidst the clinking of glasses and the laughter that filled the air, there was one question that lingered on everyone’s lips: what kind of reward would corporate bestow upon Sydney—the true champion behind the project’s success? It was a foregone conclusion that if she were to receive a bonus amounting to several hundred thousand dollars right then and there, no one would dare to raise an objection. She had more than earned every cent.

Once the last crumb of cake had vanished from the conference room table, Marcus let out a chuckle that echoed through the air. “Has Alan been informed yet?” he asked, a playful glint in his eye.

Sydney, her laughter bubbling over, made her way toward the lab. “Oh, he knows,” she replied, unable to suppress her amusement. “He practically calls every day to check on our progress. At this rate, I think he knows more about the project than Henry himself!”

She could easily understand Alan’s concerns. He was deeply invested in her success, fearing that the mounting pressure might cause her to falter. There were moments when she found herself at a research impasse, and a single sentence from him would illuminate her path. Under his mentorship, her efficiency had skyrocketed, and she felt grateful for his unwavering support.

As they entered the lab, Marcus followed closely behind her, his gaze steady and contemplative. After a brief pause, he inquired, “So, when do you plan to return to the clinic’s regular schedule?”

Sydney’s heart tugged at the thought. For the sake of the project, she had slashed her clinic hours down to a mere two days a week. The phone rang incessantly with patients clamoring for more appointments with her, their voices filled with desperation.

With a teasing smile, she looked up at him. “Marc, you’re starting to sound like a capitalist already!”

It was amusing to her that he was pushing her back to the clinic even before the project had officially concluded.

Raising an eyebrow, Marcus retorted, “Alright then, I’ll instruct the nurse in charge of scheduling to give you a well-deserved break. How about half a month off before you come back?”

With a determined spirit, Sydney drove off, making a quick stop to purchase some tonics before heading to Alan’s home.

But just as she approached the door, she was taken aback to find Julian standing there, the very man she had expected to see across the hall.

He didn’t seem surprised to see her; instead, his brow lifted slightly in acknowledgment. “Here to visit Alan and Eliana?” he asked, his tone casual yet warm.

“Yeah,” Sydney replied, a hint of surprise coloring her voice. “But what are you doing here?”

“To deliver an invitation,” he said, a smile playing on his lips. He had already called to invite them, but since he had a free morning, he thought it best to come in person. “After all, today’s an important day for you.”

As she stood there, the weight of the day ahead settled in, and she felt a flutter of anticipation.