Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 422

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 422**

**Chapter 422**

Julian remained seated, an immovable statue lost in the depths of his own mind. The world around him faded into a distant hum, as if he were the only person left in existence.

Raymond, growing increasingly impatient, finally leaned forward and gave Julian a gentle nudge. “What’s swirling around in that head of yours? Are you truly considering severing ties with Sydney for good?”

‘Severing ties…’

Julian had done it once before, and it should have felt straightforward to do it again. Yet, as the thought flickered through his mind, a wave of despair crashed over him, drowning every shard of logic.

“Sever ties? How can I even do that?” His voice emerged gravelly, his eyes rimmed with red. “I can’t imagine living without her.”

It was a bitter truth that Julian was the one who couldn’t envision life without her. Conversely, Sydney appeared to be thriving without him, as if he were just a fleeting memory in her vibrant world.

Downstairs, the club throbbed with an intense energy, the air thick with heat and the rhythmic pulse of music. Men and women swayed to the relentless beat, lost in their own revelries.

In the center of the dance floor, Megan Hutton commanded attention, dressed in a snug cropped top and a short denim skirt that accentuated every curve of her figure.

Suddenly, a young woman rushed over to her, her voice barely audible above the booming bass. “Meg! I just heard from one of the waiters that your brother is upstairs in the VIP lounge! When did he come back to Brimcrest?”

Raymond had long harbored resentment towards living under the thumb of the Hutton family. Years ago, he had relocated to Jouleston, determined to carve out his own identity, making his infrequent returns home all the more significant.

Megan’s steps faltered as she absorbed the news. Her brows knitted together in confusion. “Raymond’s back?”

“You didn’t know?” The young woman’s eyes widened in surprise, and she gestured toward the upper floors. “And he brought someone from Jouleston with him. They’re both up there right now.”

Of course, Megan was oblivious to this. She and Raymond had never shared a harmonious relationship.

But when she caught wind of that last detail, a sudden stillness enveloped her. A smile spread across her face, her glossy red lips curving into a mischievous grin. “Julian?”

“Yep.” The young woman winked knowingly. “Didn’t you once have a crush on him?”

That was a long time ago, back when Julian had visited Brimcrest on behalf of the Sterlings to celebrate Albus Hutton’s birthday. He had been young, sharp, and brimming with confidence—so different from the cold demeanor he wore now. One glance from him had sent Megan spiraling into infatuation.

Raymond had noticed her attraction immediately and had pulled her aside, his voice low and serious. “He’s already taken. Don’t make a fool of yourself.”

“Oh. Fine.” She relented, choosing not to press the issue, and followed them toward the exit. “So what’s he doing in Brimcrest? Is he here for Grandpa’s birthday?”

That was the only plausible reason for the Sterlings to make an appearance in Brimcrest at this time.

Raymond didn’t bother to deny it. “Mm.”

Technically, it wasn’t a lie. Julian would indeed be attending Albus’ birthday celebration.

Megan exhaled a small sigh of relief. As they approached the doors, her cheeks flushed with curiosity. “He’s single, right?”

“What if he is? What if he isn’t?” Raymond’s voice was flat and dismissive, lacking any hint of enthusiasm.

But to Megan, his words sounded like something else entirely. He was right—whether married or not didn’t matter. As long as he was available, she could entertain herself. Her mind wandered, a smirk dancing on her lips at the thought.

Raymond shot her a sharp glare as he handed Julian off to one of his men, frustration clear on his face. “What on earth are you thinking? I’ve told you before that he already has someone.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Megan scoffed, unconvinced. “If he really did, he would have married her by now. A man like him? What kind of woman could he not have?”