Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 411

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 411**

**Chapter 411**

Sydney stood motionless, her heart racing as the weight of the revelation settled upon her.

The individuals they were discussing had been locked away for two decades. Tristan had left for another country two decades ago as well. He had been adopted during that time and only recently stepped into the role of head of DK Pharmaceuticals.

Her mind began to race as she pieced together the fragments of information, each connection illuminating the shadows of her understanding. “So, what you’re suggesting is that the true mastermind behind DK Pharmaceuticals could be someone entirely different?”

James nodded, a satisfied smile creeping across his face. “Exactly. You’re sharp, Sydney.”

His surprise at her ability to grasp the intricacies of the situation so quickly only served to deepen his admiration for her perceptiveness.

“Oh, and by the way,” he continued casually, “my mother is heading back to Brimcrest City for a little while. You can pause her treatment for now.”

Sydney’s brow furrowed slightly as she processed his words. “How long will she be away? We’ve just started seeing some positive results. It might be best not to disrupt the treatment for too long.”

James maintained his composed demeanor, responding smoothly, “She’ll be gone for about a week. She’ll return after my grandfather’s birthday celebration.”

“That’s reasonable,” Sydney replied, her mind already racing ahead. A week wouldn’t set them back too far.

As she contemplated the upcoming week, Sydney realized she had her own plans to return to Brimcrest. The anniversary of her parents’ passing was approaching, and she felt a deep yearning to be with them, even if only in spirit.

That evening, Tiffany burst into the room, a look of shock on her face. “Oh no! I almost forgot! Do you want me to come with you once I wrap up this case?”

Tiffany’s firm had just assigned her a significant case, and there was no way she could abandon it now.

Sydney offered a gentle smile, trying to mask her own bittersweet feelings. “It’s okay. I’ll go by myself.”

Caleb knelt beside her, pulling out a tissue, his intention clear as he sought to wipe away her tears.

He had never witnessed her in such a fragile state before. In truth, he couldn’t recall ever having seen her cry at all. A strange ache filled his chest as he observed her shoulders shaking with emotion.

For a brief moment, Sydney froze, taken aback by his presence and the kindness in his gesture. Embarrassment washed over her as she accepted the tissue from him. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice a mixture of surprise and vulnerability.

“Today is your parents’ memorial day. I happened to be in Brimcrest for work, so I thought it was the right time to pay my respects,” he explained, placing the bouquet he had brought down gently on the ground, his eyes downcast with a quiet remorse. “I should have done this a long time ago. I never came with you before. Not even once.”

“It’s all in the past,” Sydney replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

She wasn’t keen on delving into old memories. In truth, those three years of her life no longer held the same sting they once did.

Caleb’s heart ached further at her acceptance of the past. He bowed his head three times before the gravestone, a silent tribute, before standing tall once more. “I’ll be waiting for you by the car. Take your time with them.”