Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 320

**Chapter 320**

“Ensuring your safety is the least our family can do,” James declared, his voice steady and reassuring.

As those words hung in the air, Sydney felt a flicker of comfort, though she sensed the weight behind them. It was a reminder of the bond they shared, but she chose to let it slide, not wanting to dwell on the implications.

“Thank you,” she replied simply, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with sincerity.

Settling back into her chair, she immersed herself once more in her earlier task, focusing intently on drafting a dietary regimen. The flickering candlelight cast gentle shadows across her notes as she scribbled, the faint scent of herbs wafting through the room.

Florence’s pulse had been weak, and the thought of strong tonics made her uneasy. The first step in her plan was to fortify and balance Florence’s spleen and stomach, ensuring she had the strength to recover.

Just then, James noticed a rustle near the elevator. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur, “Dr. Wilson, keep writing. If anything arises, just call for me.”

“Alright,” Sydney nodded, her brow furrowing in concentration as she bent over her notes once more.

James stepped out into the living room, where he found Theodore diligently peeling grapes for Florence, the delicate fruit glistening under the soft light.

“What happened outside just now?” Theodore asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

“The Sterling family’s old madam showed up,” James replied, maintaining an even tone. “She attempted to force her way in. When Dr. Wilson emerged, they tried to drag her off.”

“Drag her off?” Theodore’s brow knitted in confusion. “Wasn’t it said that Eloise treated her fairly well?”

The Huttons had long been aware that the Sterlings had adopted a child, yet only Raymond had known the darker truths—that Eloise mistreated Sydney. And Raymond, being the quiet type, had never shared this troubling information, leaving the family in the dark about the true nature of that household.

James shrugged slightly, a hint of frustration crossing his features. “It didn’t seem that way just now.”

“That child…” Florence interjected, her voice soft yet firm as she turned her head away from the grapes Theodore offered. “She clearly hasn’t had it easy. If they dare treat her like that in front of others, imagine how cruel they must be in private.”

James nodded, his expression solemn. “I’ve already warned the Sterlings. For now, they shouldn’t trouble Dr. Wilson again.”

“I don’t mind,” Sydney replied hesitantly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her mind. “But won’t I be intruding?”

“Not at all,” James assured her, his eyes warm with encouragement.

With her reluctant acceptance, James signaled to the staff to prepare the meal. As they made their way toward the dining room, Sydney’s gaze drifted to a family portrait hanging prominently in the living room.

Nine faces smiled back at her—four adults and five children, frozen in time.

But a nagging thought tugged at her mind; she remembered that Theodore and Florence had only four offspring.

Her steps faltered slightly, confusion washing over her. James noticed her hesitation, and his expression darkened, a shadow of sorrow crossing his face.

“The one in my mother’s arms was my younger sister,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “She went missing years ago.”