Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 435

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 435**

**Chapter 435**

Sydney felt a familiar weight pressing down on her chest, a question swirling in her mind that she had posed to Raymond just the day before. She had intended to hold off until they returned to Jouleston, allowing the right moment to unfold naturally. Yet, as Julian’s dark, inscrutable eyes bore into her, the words tumbled out of her mouth before she could catch them.

Julian’s eyebrows arched slightly, a flicker of seriousness transforming his usually playful demeanor. “Go ahead,” he encouraged, his voice steady yet curious.

“If…” The word hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears, and her courage began to waver. She paused, feeling the lump in her throat grow larger, choking back the rest of her thoughts.

A nagging fear gnawed at her insides—that he might turn her question back on her, challenging her with, “Sydney, what makes you think I’d sacrifice my family for you?” The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

But then, memories of the close-knit Hutton family flooded her mind. She recalled how, even someone as blunt and straightforward as Raymond had chosen Tiffany without a moment’s hesitation. Florence’s gentle reminder echoed in her thoughts: love and family need not be adversaries. With that realization, Sydney knew she couldn’t remain silent any longer. If she didn’t voice her concerns now, she might never find the peace she so desperately sought.

Steeling herself, she lifted her gaze to meet Julian’s. His eyes were steady, deep pools of emotion that seemed to hold a universe of secrets. After a brief internal struggle, she finally found her voice, though it trembled slightly. “Julian, these past few days I’ve been—”

Before she could finish her thought, Peter rushed up the stairs, his face taut with urgency. “Mr. Sterling, Ms. Wilson, things online are getting worse.”

A frown creased Sydney’s brow. “Worse?”

Julian’s voice remained calm, but there was an undercurrent of tension. “How bad is it?”

“Several more families have come forward,” Peter explained, his words tumbling out in a rush. “They’re claiming their relatives took our company’s medicine and suffered severe side effects. Different symptoms, but all serious.”

Sydney felt her heart plummet. She quickly pulled out her phone, and her worst fears were confirmed. The top trending page was a chaotic mess of new posts. Three hashtags had already gained traction, and the tone of the conversation had shifted dramatically.

What had once been a mix of criticism aimed at her and Sterling Corp. had now morphed into a targeted attack, with the public’s ire squarely directed at her.

With a swift motion, Julian reached over and turned off her screen, his expression resolute. “I need to return to Jouleston immediately. Are you coming with me?”

The atmosphere at the company was volatile, and if he didn’t act quickly, someone within might seize the chaos to make a move. Julian felt a knot of anxiety twist in his stomach at the thought of Sydney traveling alone in such a precarious situation.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Sydney replied, “Yes. I’ll go with you.”

Turning around, she spotted Penelope emerging from the restroom, her expression one of disbelief.

Sydney’s brows knitted together, a flicker of irritation sparking within her. Before she could muster a response, Penelope’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you doing here? You’re still alive and standing here?”

It was a bitter irony; she had given explicit orders for the hit-and-run driver to ensure Sydney didn’t survive that fateful night. Yet here stood Sydney, unharmed, in the very heart of the Hutton estate.

Penelope had practically begged Adeline to bring her along today, and now, confronted with the one person she most wished to see gone, a surge of rage and jealousy ignited in her chest.

Everything seemed to come so effortlessly to Sydney, while Penelope had clawed and schemed for what she had. Sydney received accolades and admiration with barely a thought, while Penelope felt like a shadow, perpetually in her wake.

“I don’t wish to engage with you,” Sydney stated coolly, her resolve firm as she turned to continue toward the garden.

But Penelope’s mocking voice trailed after her, laced with venom. “In such a hurry? Running back to Jouleston to clean up that little mess of yours?”

Her gaze flicked to the bags in Sydney’s hands, one clearly packed with clothes, a cruel smile curling her lips as she stepped into Sydney’s path, eager to see her falter. With everything unraveling online, Penelope was convinced that Sydney’s precious reputation would crumble this time.