Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 352

**Chapter 352**

The thought of Penelope being ensnared in the treacherous web of the Wolfen family sent a chill down Caleb’s spine. He couldn’t shake the feeling that if that were to happen, it would mark the beginning of a dark chapter in her life—one from which she might never emerge unscathed.

After freshening up at Haven, Caleb made his way to the office, his mind racing with possibilities. The weight of the world seemed to rest on his shoulders as he entered the familiar space, the scent of polished wood and leather filling the air.

No sooner had he settled into his chair than Gordon stepped in, his expression serious. “Mr. Hampton, I have urgent news. Those men we discussed—they were released from prison this morning, but…”

Caleb’s brow furrowed, an instinctive sense of dread creeping in. “What happened?” he asked, bracing himself for the worst.

“Yes,” Gordon replied, his voice steady yet tinged with relief. “Their car lost control on the Brimcrest Bridge and went over the edge. So far, five bodies have been recovered…”

Caleb’s heart raced. There were only eight of them. If the entire vehicle had plunged into the depths below, it meant that Sydney was momentarily safe from their grasp. After all, the real authority within the Sterling household lay predominantly with Julian. Eloise could scream and throw tantrums all she wanted, but her power was limited to creating chaos—not to endangering Sydney.

Yet, Caleb was not inclined to celebrate just yet. His demeanor shifted, a steely resolve replacing any flicker of hope. “Gordon, keep a vigilant eye on the police updates. We won’t breathe easy until all eight bodies are accounted for and positively identified.”

Something about the situation felt off. It was hard to believe that these men, having spent two decades behind bars, would meet their end in a car crash just moments after tasting freedom. It reeked of foul play.

He redirected his thoughts, his voice growing colder. “And keep tabs on the Sterling estate’s activities in the days to come.”

“Why the sudden interest in the Sterlings?” Gordon inquired, eyebrows raised in confusion.

Before Caleb could respond, the office door swung open, and Adeline stepped inside, her gaze darting around the room as if searching for hidden secrets. “You’ve been so preoccupied, I hardly see you anymore. What on earth have you been up to?”

She had come with a purpose, eager to introduce Caleb to a promising young woman from a distinguished family—a match she believed would be perfect for him. But the moment she sensed Caleb’s focus on the Sterling estate, her composure slipped.

“Isn’t that the truth?” Caleb rose slowly, leaning against his desk with an intensity that made her heart race. “Sydney saved our lives. How have we repaid her for that?”

Avoiding his piercing gaze, Adeline clenched her teeth, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Haven’t we treated her well enough all these years? A life debt doesn’t mean putting the entire family at risk to repay it!”

This was a fear she had harbored deep within her heart. The thought of someone leveraging a life-saving favor for personal gain was her greatest nightmare. A life debt could never truly be settled, making it easier to pretend it didn’t exist at all.

If Sydney had continued to live her life in happiness and security, the Hamptons might have never felt the need to intervene. But now, everything had changed. Adeline feared that Sydney would cling to them, draining their resources and peace of mind.

Caleb listened intently, but rather than responding with anger, he chuckled lightly. “The family is under my control now. Whatever course I choose to take, you won’t be able to stop me.”

The thought of sacrificing a few lives for his own interests seemed like a calculated risk—a profitable trade-off. After all, it might not even tarnish the reputation of Hampton Corp. at all.