Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 453

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 453**

**Chapter 453**

Julian felt a constricting sensation in his chest as he locked eyes with her, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air. “So everything I say just goes in one ear and out the other, huh?” he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

He had been unequivocal about his stance; the idea of fatherhood didn’t terrify him, even if it meant stepping into the shoes of another man’s child. So why did it seem as though his words were falling on deaf ears?

Sydney opened her mouth, poised to respond, but the car came to a gentle halt in front of Haven, interrupting her thoughts.

Peter, their driver, lowered the partition between them, his voice steady and professional. “Mr. Sterling, Ms. Wilson, we’ve arrived.”

Sydney turned her gaze to the window, her thoughts swirling. Yet, she remained still, rooted in her seat. “I want to check on Alan and Eliana first,” she declared, her voice firm.

The elderly couple had endured so much turmoil in recent days; the thought of them alone in their distress gnawed at her. She couldn’t find peace until she confirmed their safety.

Julian tilted his head slightly, a hint of determination in his expression. “They’re in 2202,” he informed her, his tone matter-of-fact.

Just after he had concluded his call with Marcus, he had instructed Elliot to ensure Alan and Eliana were safely relocated and temporarily housed there.

A wave of relief washed over Sydney as she nodded, her resolve strengthening. She reached for the door handle, ready to spring into action.

But Julian’s arm remained firmly wrapped around her waist, a silent anchor. “No thank-you this time?” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

After all, he had sacrificed one of his own properties for the sake of her mentor, a gesture that deserved acknowledgment.

Sydney hesitated, caught off guard by his lightheartedness. Was he genuinely seeking gratitude, or was this yet another playful jab? Choosing honesty, she replied, “Why would I thank you? It was Sterling Corp.’s drug that caused the problem and dragged them into it.”

Her words hung in the air, a clear implication that the responsibility lay squarely on his shoulders.

Julian raised an eyebrow at her calm, even tone, the pressure of his hand easing slightly. “Go on, then,” he encouraged, a hint of intrigue in his voice.

Stepping out of the car, Sydney made her way toward the building, but when she glanced back and realized he wasn’t following, instinct kicked in. She turned around, concern flickering in her eyes.

“I see,” Julian replied, his mind racing with implications.

“Should we release the evidence and clear our name?” Elliot inquired, seeking direction.

“Not yet,” Julian’s voice hardened, his eyes narrowing in thought. “If we release it now, they’ll twist the narrative and make us look worse.”

Public outrage toward both Sterling Corp. and Sydney had reached a fever pitch. If DK Pharmaceuticals had orchestrated a counterattack, any hasty defense would only serve to exacerbate accusations of corporate coercion.

Yet, one nagging thought lingered in the back of his mind, refusing to let him rest.

His tone sharpened. “Check if DK Pharmaceuticals has any past connection to Sydney—any conflict, any motive to target her.”

Logically, there shouldn’t be any link. Sydney had spent her entire life in Jouleston, while DK Pharmaceuticals had operated overseas for nearly two decades. Their paths shouldn’t have crossed at all.

But this time, DK Pharmaceuticals’ assault wasn’t solely aimed at Sterling Corp.; it was directed at Sydney as well.