Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 395

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 395**

**Chapter 395**

Penelope’s words rippled through the audience like a sudden gust of wind, stirring unease among the gathered crowd.

The drug they were discussing was no ordinary creation; it was the product of relentless ambition, a compound that had eluded the grasp of pharmaceutical giants who had poured billions into research only to face failure time and again. Yet, here stood this young woman, Sydney, who had managed to unlock its secrets. The production costs might be steep, but the efficacy of the drug was irrefutable. The individual who possessed the formula held the key to dominating the medical landscape for years, if not decades, to come.

Sydney raised her gaze, her demeanor calm, unyielding, as if she were an unshakable lighthouse amidst a tumultuous sea. “And what precisely do you find suspicious about it?” she inquired, her voice steady, betraying none of the turmoil that swirled within her.

Her conscience was unburdened, and fear had no place in her heart.

Penelope’s eyes flickered toward the man positioned beside her, jealousy igniting a spark within her. With a swift motion, she transformed her expression into a cutting smile, sharp enough to slice through the tension. “Why don’t you enlighten everyone here? Share with them the true nature of your relationship with Mr. Sterling!”

Sydney’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What?”

A few reporters gasped audibly, their eyes widening with intrigue as they darted glances between Sydney and Julian. The air thickened with the unmistakable scent of scandal, a stark contrast to the serious nature of the medical press conference that had been anticipated. Julian Sterling, renowned for his icy demeanor and emotional distance, had never been linked to any romantic rumors, despite years of speculation. Now, the serious journalists found themselves teetering on the edge of a story that belonged in the tabloids rather than a scientific discourse.

In truth, the two of them did seem striking together, a visual harmony that was hard to ignore.

The question hung heavily in the air, pregnant with implications. Julian sat tall and composed, his dark eyes unwaveringly locked onto Sydney, and even in silence, there was a protective quality in his gaze—something that the reporters couldn’t help but interpret as affection.

Members of the project team began to chime in, one after another, rallying behind Sydney.

“Mr. Lines is right. We may have doubted her youthfulness in leading this project, but now? We concede—”

“Are you truly convinced?” Penelope sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “Or are you just too enamored with Mr. Sterling to voice anything else?”

The doors at the back of the hall swung open, and Eloise entered, flanked by her entourage, her presence commanding immediate attention. She spoke with icy clarity. “Whoever has the courage to speak the truth today and reveal what really transpired will be the next Director of R&D.”

The atmosphere shifted. Since Penelope’s attempt to accuse Sydney of data fraud had fallen flat, it seemed they were pivoting to a more insidious attack, insinuating that she had pilfered someone else’s research. The stakes were rising, and the tension in the room was palpable, a storm brewing on the horizon.