Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 355

**Chapter 355**

Raymond’s words sliced through the air, each syllable sharp enough to leave a mark. Yet, Tiffany remained unfazed, leaning casually against the corridor wall, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Whichever identity makes you answer my question willingly, Dr. Hutton, is the one I’ll use.”

Her tone was light, almost teasing, as if she were playing a game of chess, and he was merely a pawn. In her mind, she thought, *Let him think whatever he wants. It doesn’t matter to me.*

Raymond’s icy gaze remained locked onto her, unyielding. He shot back, “And which identity do you think would make me willing?”

“Then ex-girlfriend it is,” she replied, her smile growing brighter, almost dazzling in its confidence. “After all, you never liked Glen, did you?”

The mention of Glen stirred a whirlwind of memories. Tiffany and Glen were childhood friends, inseparable since their days of running barefoot through the neighborhood. They had shared laughter and secrets in the same alley, their bond deepening through the years, from elementary school all the way to university.

But when Tiffany began dating Raymond during her college years, she hadn’t even had the chance to tell Glen. It was only after Glen had made a grand gesture—standing beneath her dorm window and belting out a love song—that the truth came to light.

Tiffany had rejected Glen immediately, and they had both agreed to remain friends. However, Raymond was a different story. To him, Glen was an unwelcome shadow, a constant reminder of a past he could not tolerate. He had made it clear that Tiffany was not to have any private interactions with Glen, a command that hung over their relationship like a dark cloud.

If she had kept her mouth shut, perhaps things would have been smoother. But the moment she mentioned Glen, Raymond’s breath hitched. “You know I dislike him, and you still kept in touch?”

Tiffany almost chuckled at his incredulity. “Dr. Hutton, we broke up ages ago. Do you really need me to remind you how many years it’s been?”

Nearly six years, to be precise. If it hadn’t been for Sydney’s brief reconciliation with Julian, she and Raymond would have likely never crossed paths again.

Raymond’s expression turned cold, his voice dripping with disdain. “Do you need me to remind you that it was only after our breakup that you and Glen started getting ambiguous?”

In a flash of anger, Tiffany raised her hand and struck his cheek with a sharp slap. Before he could even process the action, she pivoted on her heel, her high heels clicking angrily against the floor as she stormed toward the elevator.

The sting of her slap left Raymond momentarily stunned. He touched the reddened skin of his cheek, still warm from her touch. Instead of feeling anger, a laugh escaped him. *She still hit me. That means she still cares.*

Raymond: [That slap I just took? Consider it the price for this intel. Treasure it.]

As Julian read the messages, a tightness gripped his chest. His breath became uneven, and in a fit of frustration, he snatched the stress ball from his desk and hurled it at the door, the thud echoing ominously through the room.

Julian was known for his calm demeanor, rarely losing his temper. The sudden outburst startled Charlotte, who knocked quickly and entered the office. “Mr. Sterling, what happened?”

Julian’s fingers brushed the fading bruise on his cheekbone, a reminder of the earlier encounter. He took a deep breath, his voice steady yet firm. “Call Sydney up here. I want an update on the project.”

“I should call her?”

His tone left no room for argument, and Charlotte nodded, understanding the weight of his words.