Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 432

**TITLE: When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 432**

**Chapter 432**

The dining room was enveloped in an almost palpable silence, a heavy stillness that seemed to hang in the air like an unspoken storm. No voices dared to break the tension that had settled over the table. Megan, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, reluctantly closed her mouth, the words she had been about to say evaporating like mist. It was shocking enough to see Diana, typically so distant and reserved, openly siding with Sydney in this familial dispute.

Across the polished oak table, Raymond couldn’t contain his amusement. A short laugh escaped him, a sound that cut through the silence like a knife. “Father, did you catch that? Diana just told your beloved daughter to shut up! Aren’t you going to reprimand her?” His eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

Theodore’s brow furrowed, his expression darkening. “You can shut up too,” he shot back, his tone sharp.

In this household, Diana’s authority was an unyielding force, a fact that was evident to everyone, even to Albus, who had indulged in smoking for decades. Under Diana’s command, he had been compelled to give up the habit entirely. Every time he attempted to sneak a quick puff and was caught, he was met with a lecture that would make any child feel like they were back in school, scolded for misbehavior.

Raymond snorted dismissively. “You lot just pick sides based on your favorites. It’s ridiculous.”

James chuckled, his laughter lightening the atmosphere just a bit. “That’s because you’re far too rebellious. If you played your cards right, who knows? You could have been the one calling the shots in this house.”

There was a time, not too long ago, when Raymond had been adamant about pursuing a career in medicine. Albus, with his own visions for the future, had intended to send him off to the army as a military doctor. But Raymond had flatly refused, unwilling to live under his grandfather’s watchful gaze. In a fit of defiance, he had run away to Jouleston overnight, seeking refuge in the company of Julian, hoping for a fresh start.

Raymond scoffed at the thought. “Yeah, right. If I actually wielded that kind of power, Diana would probably be the first to take me down.”

Diana shot him a glare that could freeze fire. “One more word from you, and I’ll personally arrange for you to be sent to a military unit.”

The threat hung in the air, and Raymond immediately fell silent, the humor drained from his face.

Sydney observed the lively banter with a smile, her heart warming at the familial camaraderie.

Despite Megan’s icy demeanor, there was a palpable warmth in the Hutton family. The easy laughter and playful teasing created an atmosphere of harmony and belonging that made Sydney feel a twinge of envy.

She found herself lost in thought, wishing wistfully, *If only I had siblings as well. To bicker like this occasionally would probably feel quite lovely.*

Just then, a maid wheeled Florence into the room, her expression one of mild surprise. “You’re not using acupuncture?” she inquired, curiosity lighting her features.

“Not at this moment,” Sydney replied, her voice steady. “But to fully address the issue, she’ll need a series of acupuncture sessions.”

During a previous conversation with Elizabeth about wellness, Sydney had taken the opportunity to check her pulse. Aside from the mild migraines, nothing seemed critically wrong.

However, with Sydney’s impending return to Jouleston in a few days, she knew she wouldn’t be able to provide regular treatments. For now, she could at least offer some immediate relief through massage.

From the shadowy corner of the hallway, Megan watched the scene unfold, her eyes narrowing as she observed the way everyone in this house seemed to be entranced by Sydney’s charm. A cold, cutting smile crept across her lips.

*Fine,* she thought darkly, a plan brewing in her mind. *When Penelope arrives, we’ll see whose side the Hutton family truly takes. Their long-lost daughter, or this miracle doctor they’ve grown so fond of.*

Megan felt no pangs of guilt. After all, it was Vivian who had wronged her first, stealing away all the love and attention that should have been hers since the moment she was born.