Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 316

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Chapter 316**

The maid stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. Even after she had exited the room, a lingering daze clouded her mind, as if she were still processing the unusual sight she had just witnessed.

For years, ever since the youngest daughter had vanished without a trace, Florence had kept herself shrouded in shadows, rarely allowing the sun’s warm embrace to touch her skin. But today was different; today, she had surprisingly requested to bask in the golden rays that streamed through the window.

Outside the door, Theodore and James waited with palpable anticipation. The moment they caught sight of the maid, they bombarded her with questions. “What is it? What’s happening inside?”

With a slight catch in her breath, the maid replied, “Madam Hutton is sunbathing.” She hesitated for a moment, then continued, “I wanted to draw the curtains, but she insisted that I leave them open.”

Both father and son exchanged incredulous glances, momentarily taken aback. Then, a spark of joy broke through Theodore’s normally stern demeanor. It was a rare occurrence for Florence to cooperate so readily with a doctor. It seemed that taking Alan’s advice the day prior had indeed been a wise decision.

After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, and both men rushed forward, their hearts racing with hope. Sydney, who was well-acquainted with the anxiety that often enveloped families in distress, observed their eagerness with understanding. “Mr. Hutton, you may go in and see her now,” she said, her voice soothing.

Turning her attention to James, she added, “Do you have paper and a pen? I need to jot down some dietary prescriptions for Madam Hutton.”

“Yes, right this way, please,” James responded, eager to assist. He quickly led her down to the study, the urgency of the moment propelling them forward. “Thank you for your hard work,” he added, his gratitude evident.

Taking her seat at the desk, Sydney picked up the pen, her mind racing as she recalled the rhythm of Florence’s pulse. She wrote with meticulous care, outlining dietary therapies that could potentially restore some strength to the frail woman.

Yet, Sydney knew that Florence’s condition extended far beyond just her legs; her entire body was weakened, a fragile shell of the vibrant person she once was. If Florence were ever to stand again, she would need to regain her strength as a whole.

As she continued to write, a faint commotion began to filter through the walls, gradually growing louder. Suddenly, a maid burst into the study, her expression frantic. “Mr. Hutton, there are people outside causing a ruckus. They’re insisting on forcing their way in!”

James, who was usually the picture of calm, sounded incredulous. “Forcing their way in? Who would dare do such a thing?”

The maid glanced nervously at Sydney, her voice trembling. “They seem to have a powerful background. They claim they’re here for Dr. Wilson.”

Jason’s brow twitched in disbelief. “What did you say?”

“I said, let her wait,” Sydney reiterated with an icy calmness.

With that, she turned her back on him and walked away, heading back toward the sanctuary of the Hutton residence.

“Hold her down!” Jason barked at his bodyguards, his voice laced with urgency as he strode to the car. When the window slid down, he bowed respectfully, a last-ditch effort to maintain decorum. “Madam Sterling, she refuses to come with us.”

“Refuses?” Eloise sneered, her disdain palpable. “Since when has her will ever mattered? Bring her directly.”

“Shouldn’t we at least find out why she’s here?” Jason hesitated, anger and uncertainty battling within him. “This is Serilla. If we provoke the wrong people—”

Eloise’s teeth gnashed together as she glared at him, her patience wearing thin. “This is Jouleston. Who would dare oppose us?”