Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 444

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Chapter 444**

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In those days, he had been cautious, careful not to startle her with the truth of what had transpired. He would wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth with a casual flick of his wrist, masking the chaos of the moment, and then he’d drape his arm around her shoulders as if nothing had happened at all.

“Why are you just standing there, huh? Come on, let’s go home together.” His voice was light, almost playful, yet there was an undercurrent of something deeper, a promise of safety wrapped in the warmth of his presence.

That memory crashed over Sydney like a relentless wave, pulling her under with its force. Now, as that familiar hand rested once more on her shoulder, she felt the warmth radiate through the thin fabric of her shirt, sinking into her skin and spreading through her veins like a soothing balm. It was a sensation that ignited every nerve, awakening a flood of emotions she thought she had buried.

Sydney instinctively tilted her head, her gaze drawn upward to meet the man beside her. The boy she once knew had transformed into a figure of strength—taller, broader, steadier. She had always held the belief that Julian had changed significantly over time, but perhaps, in truth, he remained steadfastly the same. His words, she realized, were not just directed at her; they were a clear proclamation to everyone within earshot. He had made it unmistakably clear that she belonged to him, and that declaration reverberated through the air.

This was the first time Julian had ever openly defended a woman, and the impact was instantaneous. The crowd that had gathered to witness the unfolding drama now regarded him with a newfound respect. After all, this was no ordinary man; he was the one who held dominion over Jouleston. No one in their right mind would dare to provoke him.

Even the Huttons, a family known for their influence and power, would think twice before challenging him.

Theodore, who had been seething with rage just moments ago, felt his anger dissipate as he observed the tender way Julian treated Sydney. There was something about the sight that tugged at his heartstrings, reminding him of his own youth and the way he had once looked at Florence, filled with admiration and longing.

Meanwhile, Megan was engulfed in a wave of humiliation that felt almost suffocating. No matter how much she admired Julian, this was a humiliation she could hardly bear.

“Mr. Sterling, are you really going to show our family no respect at all?” she snapped, her voice trembling with barely contained fury.

He had actually instructed Sydney to slap her twice, right there in front of everyone. This was Brimcrest, a place where Julian’s influence was not as absolute as it was in Jouleston, where he could command the world with a mere word.

Julian’s laughter, though soft, held an edge of danger, his dark eyes glinting like ice.

“Are you sure that you even have the right to represent the Huttons?” he drawled lazily, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“I may not,” she conceded, biting her lip in frustration. “But she does.” With that, she seized Penelope’s arm and yanked her forward, her voice rising with a mix of desperation and defiance. “She’s our fifth sibling, the real daughter of the Hutton family!”

‘So it isn’t confirmed yet,’ Raymond thought, releasing a quiet breath of relief.

He turned to the police officers who were preparing to leave, his voice flat and devoid of emotion. “So, you’re the one who told them to back off?”

Julian hadn’t grasped the full picture before, but now it all clicked into place. The police had come with the intent to take Penelope in for questioning.

Megan lifted her chin defiantly, a fierce glint in her eye. “Of course! What, do you expect our Vee to be dragged off for an investigation? Tell me, who in this family would allow that?”

Hearing this, Penelope felt the heat of shame fade from her cheeks. Instead of embarrassment, a sense of satisfaction began to blossom within her. ‘So what if Sydney slapped me twice? From this moment forward, whatever I do, Sydney will just have to accept it.’

At that precise moment, the meeting room doors swung open, and a calm voice resonated from within. “Everyone except you.”

Diana emerged, phone in hand, her expression one of unwavering composure. “Setting aside the fact that we haven’t even confirmed she’s really Vee, even if she is, cooperating with a police investigation is her obligation.”