Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 303

**Chapter 303**

Sydney halted for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. Julian, a man who often seemed lost in his own world, rarely took notice of others, let alone act with such consideration. Yet here he was, checking the time on his watch with a furrowed brow before nodding towards the house. “Go on in,” he instructed, his tone surprisingly gentle.

“Okay,” Sydney replied, stepping over the threshold without waiting for him to depart. A wave of anticipation washed over her as she recalled the text she had sent to Alan earlier. Eliana had prepared an elaborate feast, eagerly waiting for her arrival, and the thought filled her with warmth.

As she entered, Alan’s welcoming voice reached her ears. “Come in!” he called, gesturing for her to approach. His smile widened, revealing the joy that sparkled in his eyes, so much so that they glistened with unshed tears. “After all these years, finally…” His voice caught slightly, the emotion palpable.

Alan had witnessed Sydney grow up within the walls of the Sterling household, observing every challenge she faced and the resilience she displayed. A wave of relief washed over him as he took in the sight of her—this young woman who had once struggled to distinguish one plant from another had blossomed into someone remarkable.

Eliana, with her nurturing demeanor, guided Sydney toward the plush sofa, her hands gesturing with a comforting familiarity.

“Alan cried all night,” she chimed, a playful grin dancing on her lips. “He’s so thrilled about the trial phase. Now, go have a chat with him. I’ll whip up a few of your favorite dishes. Even if the Sterlings throw a grand celebration, we’ll make sure to celebrate our way first.”

“Thank you, Eliana,” Sydney said, feeling a lump form in her throat. Words eluded her, but she managed to express the sentiment that mattered most. “Alan, thank you.”

Alan waved her gratitude away, adopting a mock stern expression. “What for? I’m just doing my job as a teacher. A teacher does what a teacher should, and seeing you achieve this makes my heart swell with pride.”

He envisioned the day when the drug would officially launch, the moment he could stop hiding Sydney’s identity and proudly proclaim to the world, *My protégé developed the leading cancer drug on the market.* The thought filled him with an exhilarating sense of anticipation.

“Shut up,” Adeline snapped, her frustration boiling over. It was evident she was on the verge of slapping some sense into her daughter. “If you die and drag us down with you, I swear I’ll make you pay.”

“I’m not going to die,” Penelope nearly sang, her voice dripping with defiance.

But before she could finish her thought, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. In the parlor, Eloise’s hand struck across Penelope’s face with a resounding crack. The force of the slap sent Penelope reeling, and before she could regain her footing, another blow landed on her opposite cheek.

Eloise glared at her, a fierce intensity in her eyes, before casting a sharp look at Adeline, then ruthlessly forcing Penelope to her knees. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, a stark contrast to the joy Sydney felt just moments before.