Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 322

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 322**

**Chapter 322**

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“Mr. Hampton’s widowed sister-in-law.”

Eloise paused, her mind racing. “You mean Penelope?”

Penelope was not just any relative; she was the mother of the Hampton family’s eldest grandson, a position that carried weight and influence. Eloise’s heart began to race at the implications of offending the Sterlings. If she were to cross them, any repercussions would be entirely justified, and the Hamptons would be left with no grounds for complaint.

Yet, in this moment, the stakes felt different.

Sending the matriarch of the Hamptons to entertain the fourth heir of the Wolfen family was a blatant affront, a public slap in the face that could not be overlooked.

Jason, ever perceptive to her turmoil, leaned in closer, his voice low and reassuring. “Don’t fret about it. Penelope is absolutely desperate to stay on your good side. After all, she seduced her own brother-in-law; spending time with Eric Wolfen is a mere trifle in comparison.”

He continued, his expression earnest. “Besides, she won’t dare let the Hamptons find out. To curry favor with the Sterlings, she’ll comply. And to maintain her status as the family’s eldest daughter-in-law, she’ll keep everything under wraps.”

Eloise felt a wave of relief wash over her. His logic was sound, and she could feel her anxiety dissipating. “Then what are you waiting for? Call her over.”

“With pleasure, Madam Sterling.” Jason’s response was immediate, a testament to his loyalty.

Meanwhile, Penelope was seated in her office, immersed in the details of her work when the call came through. She listened intently as her assistant announced that the clinical trial application had been approved. A thrill of anticipation coursed through her; once production commenced, the trials could finally begin.

‘Sydney, oh Sydney. I truly hope your miracle drug proves to be everything you claim it to be,’ she mused, her thoughts drifting to the ambitious project that had consumed her days and nights.

Her assistant’s voice faltered, breaking through her reverie. “Ms. Monroe, are you absolutely certain this is the latest data from Sterling Corp.’s research institute?”

While the Wolfens might not hold the same level of influence as the Sterlings in Jouleston, their power in both business and the underworld was undeniable. Establishing a connection with them was an opportunity she could not afford to overlook.

As she walked through the grand entrance of the Jedian Hotel, Penelope’s mind raced with possibilities. Surely, Eloise wanted to reward her for her cunning in stealing Sydney’s research. But the moment she stepped into the private room, a sense of unease began to twist in her stomach.

Jason gestured toward a seat, and Penelope followed his hand, her heart sinking as she realized where it led. The chair was positioned beside a man whose appearance could only be described as repulsive.

She recognized him immediately by reputation: the ugly illegitimate son whose notorious depravity was well-known.

Suppressing her disgust with great effort, she forced herself to take a seat, her mind churning with thoughts of how to navigate this precarious situation.

The man leaned in closer, squinting as he scrutinized her before turning to Eloise. “Madam Sterling, is this the Ms. Wilson from your family?”

The tension in the air was palpable, and Penelope felt the weight of the moment settle heavily upon her shoulders.