Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 443

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 443**

**Chapter 443**

The atmosphere in the grand hall shifted dramatically, as if a storm had suddenly swept through. The murmurs of the guests grew louder, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding drama. Julian’s voice, though not raised, sliced through the air with precision, resonating enough for those in proximity to catch every word.

The impact of his revelation was nothing short of explosive.

“So, it turns out that the domineering, arrogant Megan Hutton isn’t even a true Hutton by blood?!”

A wave of gasps cascaded through the crowd, echoing like distant thunder rumbling through the sky.

From a distance, Raymond observed the scene with a raised brow, his expression a mix of intrigue and amusement as curious onlookers turned to him, seeking validation. With a nonchalant shrug, he offered a response that dripped with feigned regret.

“Sorry,” he said, his tone deceptively mild. “Father doesn’t allow us to discuss where she was adopted from.” The implication of his words hung heavy in the air, a shadow of truth that confirmed Julian’s accusation without leaving any room for contradiction.

He had not given Megan or Theodore a moment to gather their thoughts or defend themselves.

In truth, Raymond had long grown weary of the burden of having a conceited, dim-witted “sister” looming over him. Julian’s audacious move was perfectly timed, like a life preserver thrown to him just as he felt himself sinking into a sea of ennui.

Nearby, James raised an eyebrow, his voice barely above a whisper as he leaned closer. “Aren’t you worried Dad’s going to have your head for this?”

“What for?” Raymond replied lazily, tilting his chin toward Julian with a smirk. “Julian’s the one who exposed her, not me. If anyone’s in trouble, it’s him.”

What did this have to do with him, anyway? He hadn’t uttered a single word of accusation. He had merely chosen silence, and in that silence, he allowed the truth to resonate.

Meanwhile, Megan was reeling from the shock. The humiliation of Julian’s words cut deep; she never expected him to confront her so publicly, let alone in defense of Sydney. This was not just a family gathering; it was a battlefield, and she felt exposed in front of the entire Hutton clan.

Theodore’s frown deepened as he attempted to steady the room with his authoritative voice. “Julian, you must have heard some baseless rumors. Megan is absolutely our biological daughter—mine and Florence’s.”

He had promised Florence that he would protect Megan at all costs. He understood all too well that, in the eyes of society, the distinction between a biological child and an adopted one held immense weight.

“Unreasonable?” Julian let out a low, humorless laugh, one eyebrow arching in mockery. “Compared to your own brand of arrogance, I’d say a little unreasonableness is nothing.”

As he spoke, he effortlessly draped an arm around Sydney’s shoulders, drawing her close in a possessive yet tender gesture.

“Next time someone speaks to you like that, regardless of who they are, just slap them twice.” His voice remained calm, yet it carried an authority that reverberated through the room, leaving an impression on everyone present.

Sydney froze, caught off guard by his unexpected defense—not in front of the Huttons, not in front of the crowd.

It was a sensation she hadn’t experienced in years. The last time someone had stood up for her like this, she had been just a child. Back then, Julian had been her shield, protecting her from the harsh realities of the world. No one had dared bully her in his presence.

Julian had always been adept with his fists, but the first real injury he had ever sustained had been in her defense. He had been around fourteen or fifteen, at that age where emotions began to intertwine and blur into something deeper.

An older school bully had tormented Sydney for days until Julian had caught him cornering her after class. In a flash, he had dragged the boy into an alley and unleashed a torrent of fury, leaving the bully bloodied and beaten.

When he finally emerged from that shadowy place, his knuckles were bruised, his lip split, and blood glistened at the corner of his mouth—a testament to his unwavering loyalty and fierce protectiveness.