Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 441

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 441**

**Chapter 441**

The moment Albus opened his mouth, a heavy silence fell over the room, even enveloping Theodore in its grip.

Deep down, he recognized the truth in his father’s words. The mere thought of a DNA test sent shivers down Penelope’s spine. It was a distasteful idea, yet it loomed as the only viable option for the Hutton family.

Panic clawed at Penelope’s insides. The Huttons were far more insightful than she had anticipated. They were sharp, cautious, and nearly impossible to mislead.

The pendant and the birthmark should have sufficed as undeniable evidence of her identity, yet their insistence on a DNA test felt like a noose tightening around her neck. She couldn’t allow that to happen. Once the test was conducted, there would be no chance to manipulate the narrative any further.

Diana’s gaze shifted toward her, piercing and unwavering. “Ms. Monroe, you don’t have any objections to this course of action, do you?”

“I… Of course not,” Penelope stammered, her mind racing like a wild horse. She frantically searched for an excuse, something that could delay or avert the impending test—anything believable enough to buy her some time.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Megan interjected, her voice cutting through the tension. “It’s my fault for not anticipating this. Diana’s right. We should move forward with it. I’ll make a call right now to arrange for the samples to be collected.”

“There’s no need for that,” Diana interjected smoothly, her tone calm and authoritative. “Leon Kingston happens to be nearby; I’ll ask him to bring his team over.”

Megan’s expression shifted, a flicker of alarm crossing her features. “You… You’re divorced from him! Isn’t it inappropriate to involve him in family matters like this?”

The Kingston family held a significant sway over Brimcrest’s medical landscape. Their private hospitals and research institutes were under the Kingston banner, and if they conducted the DNA test, the results would be beyond any manipulation.

Elizabeth frowned at Megan, her voice steady. “What’s inappropriate about it? The Huttons and Kingstons have enjoyed a close relationship for generations. A divorce doesn’t erase that bond.”

Moreover, it wasn’t even a formal divorce. The paperwork remained unfinished—an irritating reminder of Diana’s busy schedule and Leon’s frequent absences due to business.

Megan, sensing the tide turning against her, feigned concern, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Alright then. I was only worried for Diana.”

Diana, brushing off her concern, stepped aside to make the call to Leon, her expression betraying none of the anxiety that simmered beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, Megan leaned in closer to her father, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Since the results will take time, should we let the police leave for now?”

Sydney frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Officer, didn’t you say Ms. Monroe was a suspect in the car accident investigation? Weren’t you taking her in for questioning?”

“Apologies,” the officer replied, hesitating for a moment before continuing. “There’s been a new development. She’s temporarily unable to cooperate with the investigation.”

‘New development?’ Sydney’s mind raced, but then she caught the flicker of pride in Penelope’s eyes, a glimmer that sent a chill down her spine.

In that instant, she understood. Whatever Megan had whispered to Florence had shifted the balance entirely. Between Penelope and her, the Hutton family had made their choice, and it was clear who they had chosen.

A dull ache spread through Sydney’s chest, a heavy weight that felt almost suffocating. She turned to Theodore, forcing a polite smile, though it felt like a mask. “Mr. Hutton, may I see your wife?”

She couldn’t bring herself to believe it. Florence—so kind, so nurturing—the woman who had welcomed her with open arms, like family, like a mother, couldn’t have truly turned her back on her.

Theodore didn’t need to ask for clarification; he already knew that Florence must be in torment. She had always cared deeply for Sydney, and if Penelope was indeed their Vee, the revelation would shatter her.

Perhaps it was better for him to embrace the role of the villain instead.