Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 382

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 382**

**Chapter 382**

As Alan introduced Sydney to Marcus, his words hung in the air like a delicate thread connecting their fates. “Sydney, this is the Marcus I told you about. You should guide him more from now on. His talent is average, but he has a good head and a steady heart.”

Marcus felt a wave of surprise wash over him at the suggestion that he would need guidance from someone younger, someone like Sydney. The moment she handed him a single demonstration needle, he felt an inexplicable shift within him. Just one glance at her technique was enough to convince him of her exceptional skill.

Acupuncture might appear deceptively simple to the untrained eye, yet those who truly understood the art could discern mastery from the slightest insertion. Sydney’s ability with the needle placed her in a realm that was almost otherworldly. In fact, the only other person he had witnessed wielding a needle with such finesse was Alan himself.

Jeremiah, leaning casually against the wall, chuckled softly before continuing, “By the way, I heard from your parents that you and Dr. Wilson are working on some cancer medication research. How’s that going?”

“It’s going…” Marcus started, his voice honest by default, a habit ingrained from years of familial trust. Jeremiah was an old family friend, and there was a part of him that almost felt compelled to divulge more than he should.

But before he could elaborate, Sydney interjected smoothly, her voice steady and reassuring, “Going very ordinarily. We’re still lost in the fog ourselves.”

Marcus caught her subtle cue immediately and allowed a small smile to escape. “Yes, we’re still figuring out how to explain things properly to Sterling Corp.”

Jeremiah’s expression shifted, a hint of concern creeping into his features. “No way.” He coughed lightly, his face paling as if the very thought drained him. “I heard they’re already preparing a launch event. If that’s true, Sterling Corp. won’t let you off easily if the results disappoint.”

His concern was palpable, a cloud of unease hanging over them.

Though Sydney never boasted about her ability to read people, she understood the importance of remaining cautious. “Scientific projects often fail to meet expectations. I doubt Mr. Sterling is so petty he couldn’t handle that,” she replied, her tone unwavering and cool, like the calm before a storm.

Jeremiah’s eyes flickered with a sudden realization, as if a light bulb had gone off in his mind. “That’s true. Ah, I almost forgot. You and Mr. Sterling are basically siblings, aren’t you? With that bond, he’d never disregard your situation.”

Sydney turned sharply to Marcus, who frowned in confusion.

“Mr. Clifford, who told you Sydney and Mr. Sterling were siblings?” he asked, his voice laced with disbelief. He certainly hadn’t shared that detail with his parents.

Yet the notion that Jeremiah was merely an old family friend didn’t quite add up in her mind.

Marcus caught the doubt etched on her face. “I’ll ask my parents more carefully about his background when I get home tonight,” he promised, determination flickering in his eyes.

Just then, Agatha entered the clinic, a food container in her hands, her presence a welcome distraction. She brushed past Jeremiah, who hobbled out on his cane, nearly colliding with him. As they passed, she glanced back twice, a flicker of curiosity in her gaze.

His face was unfamiliar, yet there was something about him that tugged at her memory, an echo of a past she couldn’t quite grasp. The feeling lingered, like a whisper on the edge of her consciousness, refusing to be ignored.

Before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, Jeremiah climbed into a waiting Rolls-Royce, his demeanor shifting to one of urgency as he made a phone call.

“It’d be best if you paid closer attention to that girl’s research,” he said, his voice low and serious. “It’s not as simple as it looks. Don’t wait until she’s standing firm before you realize too late.”

If not for his current need to stay hidden, he would have never allowed Sydney the opportunity to hold a launch event at all.