Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 385

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**

Caleb nodded, his expression a mix of determination and urgency. “Yes. Do you know where she is?” His voice carried an undercurrent of hope, but it was laced with anxiety.

Marcus, however, remained unfazed, his tone cool and detached. “She’s already finished work.” There was a hint of disdain in his words, a silent acknowledgment that he had never held much goodwill toward Caleb. “And she doesn’t have to report her whereabouts to me. How should I know where she went?” The indifference in his voice was palpable, almost as if he relished the power of withholding information.

“Thank you,” Caleb replied, offering a terse nod before he hurried off, his heart racing with concern. He felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him as he navigated the clinic’s corridors, each step echoing his growing unease.

Marcus watched him leave, a sense of discomfort settling in his chest. He pulled out his phone, fingers flying over the screen as he sent a quick message to Sydney, hoping to convey the urgency of the situation without alarming her too much.

Marcus: [Caleb came to the clinic looking for you. He seemed anxious. Be careful.]

Meanwhile, Sydney was just finishing up an acupuncture session with Florence, her mind still buzzing with the day’s events. She glanced at her phone, catching Marcus’s message right after she had completed the treatment.

Every other day, she made her way to Seraph Villas to provide care for Florence. The food therapy had begun to yield positive results; Florence’s spleen and stomach were now functioning much better. Sydney had recently introduced decoctions into the regimen, believing they would further enhance the healing process.

Yet, even after replying to Marcus, a shadow of worry lingered on her face, her thoughts swirling like a stormy sea.

Florence, ever perceptive, noticed the furrow in Sydney’s brow and offered a warm smile. “What’s on your mind? You look preoccupied.”

“Nothing,” Sydney replied, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “How have you been feeling these last two days? Any new sensations in your legs?” She genuinely cared, wanting to ensure Florence was progressing well.

“Yes, yes!” Florence’s face lit up with excitement. “Last night, when I woke up, my legs felt warm. I almost forgot until you asked. That’s normal, right?” Her enthusiasm was infectious, a bright spot in the otherwise tense atmosphere.

For some reason, a pang of reluctance tugged at Sydney’s heart. She stood, her resolve wavering. “You’re leaving now?”

“Yes,” Diana replied, her calm demeanor unwavering. “I won’t be able to attend your press conference, so I’ll wish you success in advance.” Her words were sincere, yet there was an unspoken understanding of the distance that would soon separate them.

Then, Diana hesitated, lowering her gaze slightly, as if weighing her next words. “If you ever need anything, call me.” The offer hung in the air, a lifeline of support.

Sydney felt her reluctance deepen, an ache settling in her chest. She nodded earnestly, determination shining in her eyes. “Alright. Let me walk you downstairs.”

Florence’s needles were still in place, the session not yet ready for conclusion, but the atmosphere felt charged with unspoken emotions.

For a moment, Diana seemed taken aback by the offer. Then, as if recalling a shared memory, she inclined her head, a soft smile breaking through. “Alright. Walk me down.”