Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 304

**Chapter 304**

“Didn’t you claim to be confident?!” Eloise snapped, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. “Then enlighten me! What’s this about Sydney’s celebration party tonight?!”

Ever since Natalie had been unceremoniously ousted from the R&D department, a shroud of silence had enveloped all news pertaining to the project. It wasn’t until the whispers of the party began to circulate through the corridors of Sterling Corp. the previous night that the information finally reached her ears.

Caught off guard by Eloise’s sudden outburst, Penelope felt a rush of indignation rise within her. The sharpness of Eloise’s tone made her want to wipe away the invisible traces of contempt that seemed to coat the air between them, but she steeled herself, determined to maintain her composure.

Drawing in a deep breath, she exuded an air of calm authority as she replied, “Madam, if she wishes to throw a party, let her. The louder they shout about the drug’s miraculous effects, the harder they will crash when the reality comes crashing down on them.”

Eloise’s brows knitted together, a storm brewing behind her eyes. She sank back into her chair, crossing her arms defensively. “What are you truly scheming?”

“Our drug has reached the clinical trial phase as well,” Penelope informed her, her voice steady. “We’re hosting our own celebration tonight at Cloudmarsh Hotel.”

Eloise’s glare intensified, her frustration palpable. “I don’t care about your drug development. My only desire is to see Sydney fail! If she succeeds, how am I supposed to maintain control over that insufferable girl?”

The mere thought ignited a blaze of rage within her. She had never anticipated that Sydney would prove capable of such an impressive breakthrough.

Or perhaps she had underestimated her yet again, just as she had with Julian all those years ago. She had allowed him to gain strength, and now Sydney was emerging as yet another formidable adversary.

Suppressing the ache in her knees, Penelope rose gracefully and poured a cup of tea for Eloise, her expression cool and composed. “Do not fret. I am acutely aware of your ambitions. Sydney will never find success. In this lifetime, she will always be tethered to you.”

For a brief moment, Marcus’s gaze faltered, surprise flickering in his eyes before he quickly masked it with a warm smile. “Alan, Syd, you made it!”

“Marc,” Sydney replied softly, her smile genuine as she took Tiffany’s hand, leading the way toward the elevators.

Just as the doors slid open, a mocking laugh echoed behind them, causing Sydney to turn around.

There stood Penelope, her makeup impeccably applied, and her lavender strapless gown shimmering with rhinestones. She was clearly dressed to make an impression.

“Hey, long time no see,” Penelope said, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “I hear you’ve developed a miracle drug for cancer?”