Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 305

**Chapter 305**

“Also,” Penelope pronounced the word with an exaggerated emphasis, her voice slicing through the air like a knife.

“Mm.” Sydney feigned ignorance, her demeanor unruffled as she offered only a brief nod of acknowledgment. She then pivoted toward the elevator doors, her back turned to Penelope. “Alan, let’s go.”

The group stepped into the elevator, their collective indifference a palpable wall that Penelope felt pressing against her chest. Not a single one of them glanced back, as if she were nothing more than a shadow lingering in the corner of their lives.

Penelope’s jaw clenched, the frustration boiling within her. She watched Sydney with narrowed eyes, a smoldering hatred igniting in her gaze. *That wretched woman,* she thought bitterly. *Just wait until she faces the consequences of her arrogance. When her precious clinical trials collapse, we’ll see what remains for her to take pride in.*

A cruel smile crept across Penelope’s lips at the thought, a dark satisfaction momentarily soothing her anger.

Meanwhile, inside the elevator, Alan’s voice broke through the tension with a gruff mutter. “What’s Caleb been up to lately? Can’t even keep his own sister-in-law in line.”

The mention of Caleb caught Sydney off guard, making her pause, her thoughts momentarily drifting. It struck her that Caleb had moved into the apartment directly beneath hers, yet she hadn’t seen him in what felt like ages. If Alan hadn’t brought him up, she might have completely forgotten his existence.

Tiffany, her disdain for Penelope well-established, seized the opportunity to deliver a pointed remark. “Mr. Conton, you’re not aware? These days, people walk their dogs without leashes all the time. It’s a complete disregard for public decency.”

As the elevator doors opened, they were met with the grandeur of the night’s event. The hotel had reserved an entire floor for the occasion, with security personnel stationed even at the elevator entrance, creating an air of exclusivity.

The four of them stepped into the party hall, where the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and chatter. The room was ablaze with lights, illuminating the faces of notable figures and socialites mingling effortlessly. Alongside Sydney’s colleagues from the R&D department were influential individuals from Jouleston, many of whom had significant business dealings with Sterling Corp. Such gatherings were a testament to the power of connections, and everyone had come to show their support.

As soon as Sydney and her companions entered, a circle of admirers quickly formed around them, eager to bask in the glow of their presence.

“Dr. Conton, I’ve long admired your work,” one voice called out, filled with genuine enthusiasm.

“Dr. Conton, it’s been years since we last met! You look healthier than ever,” another chimed in, the compliments flowing like a well-rehearsed script.

Alan, ever the one to avoid the trivialities of small talk, responded with a curt nod, his attention elsewhere.

Tiffany, feeling the pangs of hunger after a long day at the law firm, excused herself and slipped away toward the buffet, her mind on the delicious spread awaiting her.

With an air of confidence, he introduced her, his tone imbued with authority. “She is the lead researcher behind Sterling Corp.’s groundbreaking new cancer treatment drug. Let’s give a round of applause for Sydney.”

The hall erupted in a wave of astonished murmurs, the sound reverberating through the air.

Though she looked remarkably young, the weight of Julian’s words silenced any doubt. No one dared question the truth of his statement.

Several pharmaceutical CEOs exchanged glances, sighing in admiration.

“Indeed, the tides of progress never cease. Achieving what most researchers can only dream of in an entire career—and to do it in her twenties—is nothing short of remarkable.”

“Absolutely,” others from the R&D department chimed in, their pride palpable.

“Ms. Wilson is exceptional. Her dedication to research is unparalleled. She practically lives in the lab,” they proclaimed, their voices filled with respect.

Initially, there had been skepticism surrounding her rapid ascent to leadership in the medicine group. After all, she was young and had been thrust into a role that many believed required years of experience. But now, as the applause swelled around her, the doubts began to fade away.