Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 423

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 423**

**Chapter 423**

The dawn of a new day greeted Sydney with a sense of anticipation as she washed her face in the hospital restroom. The cool water invigorated her, washing away the remnants of her restless night. Today was the day she would leave the sterile confines of the hospital behind.

As she swung open the ward door, she was taken aback to find James waiting just outside. Unlike his usual polished business attire, he wore a more relaxed outfit that somehow made him appear even more approachable.

“I returned to Brimcrest last night. My mother asked me to come and collect you for your discharge,” he said, his voice smooth and imbued with a warmth that felt comforting.

“No need to worry about the paperwork,” he continued, his tone reassuring. “Everything has been handled. If you’re not weighed down with too much luggage, we can head out immediately.”

Sydney had initially expected Diana to pick her up, but a last-minute meeting had whisked her away to a nearby city, leaving James to step in at the last moment. She blinked in surprise, a smile breaking across her face. “Alright, let’s get going then.”

To facilitate a smooth transition, Florence had thoughtfully arranged for all of Sydney’s belongings to be sent to the Hutton estate the previous day.

As they drove through the familiar streets, James broached the subject of the car accident. “I called the police this morning. The suspect is about to make a confession. So, you don’t need to worry too much about it,” he said, his voice steady.

Sydney couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The Huttons’ genuine concern for her well-being was a comforting balm to her anxious heart. “Thank you, Mr. Hutton,” she replied softly, her gratitude evident in her tone.

James stole a glance at her, noticing the youthful glow in her demeanor. She was perhaps eight or nine years his junior, her calm presence reminiscent of the gentle warmth of spring sunlight. Even his usually reserved tone seemed to soften in her company.

“By the way, how do you usually refer to that rascal Raymond?” he asked, his voice casual yet curious.

Sydney, momentarily puzzled by the question, answered honestly, “I usually just call him Ray.”

In Julian’s circle, Raymond, Caleb, and the others were all older than her, and out of respect, she had always addressed them by their full names.

“In that case, you can call me by my first name too,” he said, a warm smile breaking across his face. “Everyone tends to call me ‘Mr. Hutton.’ I don’t mind it, but for some reason, when you say it, it sounds a bit odd.”

Perhaps it sounded odd in every possible way, she mused.

Sydney chuckled, feeling the atmosphere between them shift toward a more friendly tone. “Alright then, I’ll call you James.”

By the time their light-hearted conversation wrapped up, the car had glided through the grand gates of the Hutton family estate, a place steeped in history and charm.

After parking, Sydney followed James into the spacious living room, where Florence was bustling about, directing the maids to prepare Sydney’s favorite dishes.

As soon as Florence turned and spotted her, a radiant smile lit up her face. “You’re here so early? I specifically told James not to disturb your sleep,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and concern.

In that moment, Sydney realized the true reason James had been waiting outside her door—he had wanted to ensure she wasn’t roused from her slumber.

James raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. “See? My mom practically wishes you were her real daughter now.”

Though it was meant in jest, there was an undeniable kernel of truth in his words. Ever since Sydney had begun treating Florence, the older woman had seemed more vibrant and full of life than she had in years.

A slight blush crept onto Sydney’s cheeks at the compliment. “I’m just used to waking up early. My body seems to have its own internal alarm clock,” she replied, a hint of embarrassment coloring her tone.

Living under someone else’s roof had taught her the importance of navigating delicate situations with care.

Megan hadn’t anticipated such a calm response, and the lack of resistance only served to heighten her irritation. It was as if she had struck a pillow instead of her intended target.

“Oh? And where will you go? To my mom, crying that I bullied you?” Her voice dripped with arrogance, a stark contrast to the vulnerability Sydney felt inside.

Though Megan was older, Sydney found herself looking at her with a mix of envy and disdain. There was a certain audacity in Megan’s demeanor, an unearned confidence that radiated from someone who had always been cushioned by privilege.

Sydney couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment toward that unfaltering assurance. Instead of letting anger take hold, she maintained her even tone. “Mrs. Hutton is your mother. Complaining to her about you would be rather pointless, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Smart of you to recognize your place,” Megan huffed, her annoyance palpable. “But this is my home. Keep your distance. Don’t come here again.”

The mere sight of Sydney ignited a fire of disdain within Megan. Earlier that morning, she had even scoured photos from the press conference, and the more she stared, the more her dislike festered.

Sydney, standing beside Julian, looked too perfect together. They matched in a way that made Megan’s heart ache with jealousy.

That woman was nothing more than a penniless orphan. How dare she encroach upon her family?

Just as Sydney was about to respond, a cool, disapproving voice interrupted from the doorway.

“If you truly understood the meaning of ‘keeping your distance,’ then you’d know this house isn’t yours to command, especially not an adoptive daughter’s,” James said evenly, stepping into the room with an air of authority.

The tension in the air thickened as the two women exchanged glances, each silently assessing their next move.