Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 328

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 328**

**Chapter 328**

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Tiffany’s eyes, and Raymond couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction at the sight.

For years, she had convinced herself that the profound love she once held for him would have faded into mere memories, dulled by time and distance. Yet, here she stood, confronted by the raw sting of humiliation that still pierced her heart like a dagger. It was a feeling she thought she had long since buried.

This wasn’t the first time she had encountered such cutting words, but it was certainly the first time they had ignited a sense of shame within her.

Raymond, anticipating her usual fiery reaction, braced himself for an outburst. He expected her to explode, to lash out at him with the same ferocity as before, perhaps even to slap him across the face.

But instead, Tiffany leaned languidly against the doorframe, a faint, mocking laugh escaping her lips. “That depends on how much you’re willing to pay. After all, there’s no shortage of men who want to sleep with me.”

In that moment, she seized the opportunity, her heart racing with a mix of defiance and exhilaration. With a swift motion, she stepped back and slammed the door shut behind her.

What had she just said?

Raymond stood there, momentarily stunned, his mind racing to comprehend her words. Did he truly hear her correctly? Staring at the closed door, he inhaled deeply, but the breath did little to quell the burning anger that simmered in his chest. He felt an overwhelming urge to kick the door, to unleash his frustration, but a flicker of caution stopped him. Instead, he pivoted sharply and struck the wall with his fist, the impact reverberating through him like a shockwave.

“Shh, damn!” he cursed, the pain radiating through his hand like fire.

He hopped on the spot, gritting his teeth against the sharp ache, his mind racing with thoughts of the situation that had spiraled out of control.

“I’d like to see which bastard dares lay a hand on you!” he muttered under his breath, frustration boiling over. “Damn it.”

Meanwhile, across town, Sydney was still at the clinic when her phone rang. It was James on the other end, his voice steady and professional as he requested her presence at Hutton Corp.’s Jouleston branch. There was a medical project that required her expertise, and he wanted to discuss it in detail.

Once her consultations were wrapped up, she glanced at the clock, packed her belongings, and made her way over.

Despite it being just a branch, Sydney had passed the Hutton Corp. building countless times, each visit igniting a sense of awe within her. The location was prime, nestled amidst the bustling city, and the architecture was grand, with sleek lines and towering glass that reflected the sky.

As she stepped inside, she was taken aback by an unexpected encounter.

Penelope’s eyes swept over her from head to toe, a mocking laugh escaping her lips. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to use Madam Hutton’s treatment as an excuse to seduce James?”

‘This wretched woman. Freshly divorced and already restless. She’s entangled with Julian, and now she’s setting her sights on James? How desperate can she be?’ Penelope thought, disdain dripping from her every word.

Sydney shot back, her voice steady and laced with sarcasm, “Haven’t you done plenty of the same? Weren’t you the one who, while being Caleb’s sister-in-law, couldn’t keep your hands off him?”

Her tone was calm, but each word cut through the air, clear enough for nearby bystanders to hear.

“Sydney!” Penelope’s voice rose in panic. “Say that again if you dare! It’s obvious you’re the one desperate to climb into the Hutton family. Do you really think, as a divorced woman, you have the right to—”

She continued her tirade, so engrossed in her attempt to belittle Sydney that she failed to notice the elevator doors sliding open nearby.

James emerged, his long strides purposeful, but his expression darkened as he absorbed Penelope’s words.

“In your eyes, divorced women are worth so little?” he asked, his voice low and filled with an intensity that demanded attention.