Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 431

**Chapter 431**

Florence.

The air was thick with anticipation as the evening’s celebration loomed closer, yet at breakfast, the table felt oddly sparse. Aside from the Hutton family, Florence found herself as the sole guest, a quiet observer amidst the bustling morning routine.

Sensing the weight of silence that hung around them, Florence made a deliberate choice, guiding Sydney to sit beside her. “Come on, dear, let’s tackle these dishes together,” she said with a warm smile, hoping to draw Sydney into the familial fold. Across the table, Megan’s eyes narrowed, a storm brewing within her. The sight of Florence and Sydney, their laughter mingling like old friends, struck a chord of jealousy deep within her. They appeared so intimately connected, almost like a mother and daughter, and the image gnawed at Megan’s insides. Her fingers curled tightly beneath the table, her nails pressing into her palms until the skin turned a furious shade of crimson.

It was happening all over again. Years ago, when Florence had welcomed Vivian into the world, the bond between mother and daughter had begun to fray, and now, it felt as if history was repeating itself with Sydney. A cold shiver ran down Megan’s spine as she envisioned the possibility of Sydney being the long-lost Vee of the Huttons. How would they shower her with affection then? Would there still be a place for Megan in this home that felt increasingly foreign?

The more she pondered, the more resolute she became. She could not allow this to unfold. Not now, not ever.

To her surprise, Sydney seemed remarkably composed, far more so than Florence had anticipated.

Elizabeth Harlow, Albus’ wife, had a penchant for discussing health and longevity, a passion that often led her to engage in long conversations with Sydney. This morning was no exception. As they chatted over breakfast, Elizabeth leaned in, her eyes sparkling with interest. “Are you saying it’s actually better to eat less?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Sydney’s gentle smile was reassuring. “Yes, that’s correct. Eating until you’re completely full isn’t ideal for your body, especially for someone like you. It’s better to stop when you’re about 70% full.”

She lightened the mood with a playful remark, “And if you find yourself a bit hungry at night, it won’t hurt you at all.”

Of course, Sydney understood that this advice was tailored specifically for Elizabeth’s unique condition. Each body had its own needs, and she was careful to acknowledge that.

“Did you hear that?” Elizabeth shot a playful glare at Albus. “You can’t keep telling me I’m too skinny anymore!”

When his gaze returned to Sydney, the stern lines of his face softened, pride evident in his voice. “You’re young, but you possess a remarkable skill.”

Meanwhile, across the table, Megan’s expression darkened further. Even her grandfather was now praising Sydney, and it felt like a knife twisting deeper into her heart.

Unable to contain her frustration, she muttered under her breath, “Who knows if it’s all just smoke and mirrors? Maybe she’s only making Mom look good on the surface. Her legs probably aren’t improving at all.”

The sharp clatter of utensils against porcelain sliced through the air, drawing attention to the brewing tension.

Diana, who had returned home just before dawn, set her fork down with a cool demeanor. “If you’re so capable, why don’t you heal Mother yourself? If you can, I’ll personally escort Dr. Wilson back to Jouleston right now. If you can’t, then perhaps it’s best to keep your opinions to yourself.”

She had heard the whispers of the previous night—how Theodore and Megan had upset Florence so severely that she had fainted. Diana’s mood was already clouded this morning, but she had intended to maintain peace for her grandfather’s birthday. Yet, Megan had once again managed to stir the pot.