Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 445

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 445**

Chapter 445

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A sudden chill gripped Sydney, causing her to momentarily lose her breath. The implications of what she had just heard crashed over her like an unexpected wave. Did this mean that the Hutton family, despite the possibility that Penelope was indeed their long-lost daughter, would turn their backs on her? The thought was a bitter pill to swallow.

As the weight of this realization settled on her shoulders, she felt a gentle, almost protective gaze upon her. Turning her head, she spotted Florence being wheeled out by a maid, her presence a welcome sight amidst the turmoil.

Florence’s eyes were puffy and red, betraying the tears she had shed, and her face bore the marks of exhaustion. Yet, within her weary expression, there was a warmth that seemed to reach out to Sydney, wrapping around her heart like a comforting embrace. It was as if Florence’s silent strength was a balm for her frayed nerves, slowly stitching them back together.

Across the room, Penelope and Megan shared startled glances, their faces reflecting a mixture of confusion and disbelief. They had not anticipated that events would take such a dark turn.

Megan, still reeling from the shock, turned sharply to Diana, her voice trembling with urgency. “Diana, if she really is Vee, how can you possibly justify treating her this way?” Her words were laced with desperation, as if she were pleading for a lifeline.

Megan had been so certain that everything was set in stone. Once Penelope’s identity was linked to Vivian—the youngest daughter who had been lost to them for so long—she had envisioned a seamless reunion. The family, aching with the absence of their little girl, would surely embrace Penelope with open arms, showering her with love to compensate for the years of separation.

But now, that dream felt like a cruel mirage. The Huttons, who professed to yearn for Vivian’s return, were now demanding DNA tests and even seemed ready to let the police take Penelope away. The chilling reality was that the arrival of law enforcement at Albus’ birthday party was a clear signal—the evidence against Penelope was damning. The phrase “cooperating with an investigation” was merely a euphemism for guilt.

As Julian stood resolutely beside Sydney, even in the face of her own family’s turmoil, Florence felt a warmth blossom in her chest. For the first time in what felt like ages, a sense of peace washed over her. Sydney had not chosen the wrong man after all.

Gathering her thoughts, Florence addressed Julian, her voice steady, “Julian, please don’t worry. As Diana has stated, the case will be handled appropriately. Whatever the law demands, that is how it will unfold.” Her words were directed at Julian, but they were also meant to reassure Sydney, whose anxiety was palpable.

Earlier, when Florence had exited the meeting room, she had been a bundle of nerves. The possibility that Penelope could be her long-lost daughter had left her feeling utterly shaken, caught in a whirlwind of emotions—between the instinct to protect the girl and the obligation to uphold what was right.

Ultimately, she had come to a resolution. She would place her trust in the DNA results and the legal system. If Penelope truly was Vee, then Florence would dedicate herself to making amends for the years lost, but not at the expense of an innocent person. Not Sydney.

The thought of wronging Sydney stirred an unsettling feeling in her chest, tightening it with an inexplicable unease.