Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 429

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 429**

**Chapter 429**

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James moved with a sense of urgency as he handed over the delicate silver needles to Sydney. The moment he and Theodore stepped out of the room, a quiet determination settled over Sydney. She took a deep breath, centering herself, and began her work with a practiced grace. Each needle found its place in the skin, targeting the acupoints with a precision that spoke of years of training and experience.

Before long, Florence stirred, her eyelids fluttering as she slowly emerged from the depths of unconsciousness.

Sydney placed a gentle hand on Florence’s shoulder, her touch reassuring. “Don’t move yet. I’m still administering the treatment,” she instructed softly, her voice a soothing balm in the tense atmosphere.

“Alright,” Florence murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

As the memories of their earlier argument and the accompanying dizziness flooded back to her, Florence turned her gaze toward Sydney, a soft sigh escaping her lips. “Don’t take Meg’s words to heart,” she advised, her tone laced with a mix of concern and understanding.

This was her way of apologizing for Megan’s harshness that morning, a gesture of goodwill amidst the tension.

“And as for what she said at dinner,” Florence continued, her expression serious, “you can forget that too.”

The clarity in her voice left no room for doubt. The Huttons had made it clear: they would not pursue a marriage between Megan and Julian.

Sydney felt a tightness in her chest, a familiar ache that she had tried to suppress. She had told herself that she didn’t care about the Huttons’ plans, but deep down, she knew that wasn’t entirely true. The truth was, she had relinquished her claim first, and with that came a heavy burden of regret.

Her fingers brushed against her palm, a small gesture that grounded her in the moment. “That matter has nothing to do with me,” she replied quietly, forcing herself to maintain her composure. “Please don’t worry about it. Whatever happens between Ms. Hutton and Mr. Sterling isn’t my concern.”

“Really?” Florence asked, her gaze piercing, as if she could see straight through Sydney’s carefully constructed facade.

The Huttons had been deeply involved in uncovering the truth about Sydney’s past with the Sterlings, and Florence could read the unspoken thoughts swirling in Sydney’s mind.

“If I were you,” Florence advised, her voice steady, “I would confront him directly about his intentions. If he can articulate his plans, perhaps there’s still a chance for you both. But if he can’t and chooses to remain loyal to Eloise, then it’s better to walk away. This stagnant situation benefits no one—not him, and certainly not the child you’re carrying.”

Sydney felt her eyes tremble at Florence’s words, a mix of vulnerability and understanding washing over her. Florence saw through her defenses, recognizing the fear that had held Sydney captive for so long.

Having grown up without the safety of a family, Sydney had learned to tread carefully through life. She believed that every decision had to be calculated, every step taken with caution. In contrast, she observed how others, like Megan, would charge headfirst into challenges, oblivious to the potential consequences.

Florence’s heart ached for her. “Sydney, things don’t always unfold as negatively as we anticipate. Perhaps Julian will find a way to meet you halfway,” she said, her voice imbued with a hopeful tone.

At that moment, Raymond entered the room, carrying two glasses of water, and caught the tail end of their conversation.

“What middle ground?” he asked playfully, his curiosity piqued. “Is this about Jules?”

A thought crossed Raymond’s mind, and after a moment’s hesitation, he decided to follow her.

At the foot of the stairs, Sydney glanced toward the courtyard, her heart sinking as she noticed the familiar black Maybach had vanished.

Her spirits dimmed momentarily before she turned to ascend the stairs, but Raymond’s voice cut through her thoughts. “What were you and my mom discussing? Was it about you and Jules?”

He wasted no time with pleasantries. “I can’t figure out what’s going on with you. Jules asked me to help him investigate what Caleb was doing the last time he came to Brimcrest. But did James cover for you somehow?”

He felt a sense of frustration; he hadn’t uncovered anything, and that left him perplexed. Despite being James’ biological brother, it was evident that James had assisted Sydney in concealing something significant.

Sydney blinked in surprise, taken aback by the depth of James’ loyalty. She hadn’t anticipated that he would go to such lengths—not only protecting her but also erasing every trace of Caleb’s presence.

Florence’s earlier words echoed in her mind, a haunting reminder of the stakes involved. ‘Staying like this helps no one. Not him, and not the child you’re carrying.’

Unconsciously, her gaze fell to her abdomen, a tightening sensation gripping her chest.

After a prolonged silence, she finally met Raymond’s gaze, her eyes clear yet clouded with uncertainty. “Ray, if Tiffany held a grudge against your family and made a choice that conflicted with your wishes, would you resent her for it?”

“Why would I?” he replied without hesitation, his conviction evident. “I’d choose her.”