Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 396

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

**Chapter 396**

A shadow of concern crossed Sydney’s face as her gaze instinctively darted towards Julian. His demeanor had shifted; the warmth in his expression was replaced by a steely resolve. “Since when did Sterling Corp.’s decisions become yours to make?” he inquired, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension.

Eloise, with an air of defiance, lifted her chin, her eyes narrowing. “When you can no longer separate business from personal affairs, how can this company stay in your hands?” The challenge in her voice was unmistakable, as if she were daring him to refute her claim.

As Eloise entered the fray, Penelope felt a wave of relief wash over her. ‘Let’s see how that wretched woman gets out of this one,’ she thought, a smirk playing on her lips. The atmosphere had escalated to a boiling point, and Sydney’s reputation, already fragile, was teetering on the edge of collapse. Even if someone from the project team attempted to defend her now, the damage had been done.

With a calm smile that belied the storm brewing within, Sydney fixed her unwavering gaze on Eloise. “So you’ve already decided this drug wasn’t developed by me, even though you have no proof?” Her voice was cool, almost detached, as if she were simply brushing away a layer of dust rather than addressing a serious accusation. If they intended to condemn her with mere words, she would not make it an easy task.

Shane, enticed by Eloise’s whispered promises of advancement, couldn’t resist the urge to stoke the flames further. “Ms. Wilson, don’t blame me for being honest, but really… someone like you developing something like this?” His words dripped with condescension.

“Shane!” Henry’s voice boomed as he slammed his palm onto the table, the sound reverberating through the tense room. “Watch your mouth!”

Julian’s cold voice cut through the rising chaos like a knife. “Let him speak.”

Shane froze, his heart racing. In his position, he seldom had the opportunity to address someone of Julian’s stature. Beads of sweat trickled down his back, but retreat was no longer an option. He steeled himself and continued, “Everyone in the lab who ever doubted her was fired. Hugh and Wallace are proof! Most of us thought the same at first. She is so young and has studied medicine for only a few years. How could she possibly create something so groundbreaking? Even with talent, it’s impossible!”

Henry’s jaw clenched tightly, frustration boiling beneath the surface. “What do you mean ‘we?’ There’s no ‘we!’ Just you! The rest of us believe in her completely!” His voice was a mix of anger and protectiveness, a fierce loyalty igniting within him.

Before he could dismiss the matter entirely, Eloise seized the moment, her voice cutting through the silence. “Don’t twist this, Julian! Since everyone here is watching, why not have her explain it clearly? Convince us all!”

The room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation.

As Julian’s cold gaze swept towards Eloise, the temperature around him seemed to drop several degrees. He opened his mouth to speak, but the woman beside him was faster. “I’ve studied medicine for twelve years and practiced for four. Sixteen years in total.”

Sydney met the eyes of Eloise and Penelope, a faint, knowing smile gracing her lips.

“Sixteen years. Is that enough?” Her tone was light, but the impact of her words struck like a whip, sharp and undeniable.