Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 398

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 398**

**Chapter 398**

Years had slipped by since Sydney first embarked on her journey into the world of pharmaceuticals. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge had led her to delve deep into the enigmatic realm of drugs, a path that many in the room had unwittingly traversed. They were patrons of the Lumosa Clinic, some even harboring its proprietary formulas within the confines of their homes, oblivious to the storm brewing around them.

As the weight of Sydney’s revelation settled in, Penelope and Eloise exchanged wide-eyed glances, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and horror. Sydney, once a mere student of medicine, had blossomed into Alan Conton’s protégé, a title that carried with it a heavy burden of expectations and responsibilities.

Eloise felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, the room spinning as if caught in a tempest. It was only Jason’s quick reflexes that prevented her from collapsing. He grasped her arm firmly, grounding her in the moment, but the shock lingered like a bitter taste in her mouth.

Penelope, on the other hand, turned ghostly pale, the color draining from her face as the implications of Sydney’s words sank in. “It’s over. Everything is over!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger.

Yet, Penelope was not one to concede defeat so easily. Grinding her teeth, she fixed her gaze on Sydney, her eyes blazing with defiance. “If you truly possess that power, why didn’t you disclose it sooner?” Her voice dripped with accusation, as if Sydney owed her an explanation.

In that moment, Sydney seized the opportunity she had been waiting for, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. “You should direct that question to Madam Sterling,” she replied, a hint of challenge lacing her tone.

Just then, Julian’s calm and steady voice broke through the tension in the room, bringing a momentary pause. He cast a significant look towards the host, who seemed to understand the cue.

The host turned to Sydney, his tone urgent yet respectful. “Ms. Wilson, there is still time. Please share with everyone what inspired you to create this drug.” The room held its breath, anticipation hanging thick in the air.

Sydney hesitated, her mind racing as she locked eyes with Julian. The weight of his gaze was both familiar and unsettling. After a prolonged moment, she allowed a wry smile to creep onto her lips, tinged with irony. She never imagined that he would step up to support her in such a crucial moment. Despite having raised her for nearly nine years, he remained tethered to his grandmother’s influence, unwilling to let Sydney shatter the facade of respectability that cloaked Eloise in front of their peers.

Eloise, sensing the shift, seized the opportunity to retreat, her face a mask of grim determination. She took Penelope by the arm, leading her away with a palpable tension crackling in the air.

Once they arrived at the sprawling Sterling estate and stood before the imposing courtyard gate, Eloise whirled around, her frustration boiling over. In a swift, fierce motion, she kicked Penelope hard, sending her stumbling onto the small stone path, the very same path where Sydney had once knelt in punishment, enduring her own trials.

Yet, even this was not enough for Eloise. Drawing a slow, measured breath, her face remained hard and unyielding. She turned her piercing gaze toward Jason. “Deal with her. Make sure it’s clean.” The disdain in her voice was palpable; she could hardly bear to look at Penelope, whom she deemed utterly useless. *What a waste. With that brain, she keeps trying to challenge Sydney again and again?*

Jason hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. “We’re openly dismissing the Hampton family as a threat. After what transpired at the press conference, even if Mr. Sterling didn’t publicly humiliate you, he must be furious. If we act now, we risk being outnumbered.”

Eloise’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What are you afraid of? He’s out now.”

Understanding dawned on Jason in an instant. If that man was indeed free, then the Sterlings wouldn’t remain under Julian’s control for long.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Eloise commanded a maid, “Take her to the cellar.”

“Yes, Madam,” the maid replied, her voice steady, ready to carry out the orders without question.