Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 454

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 454**

**Chapter 454**

The animosity directed at Sydney ran far deeper than any disdain felt towards Sterling Corp. From the very outset, the online vitriol had aimed its arrows squarely at her, singling her out with a precision that was both chilling and relentless.

As Sydney approached the apartment, her heart raced, and she pressed the doorbell with a sense of trepidation. The moment the door swung open, she found Eliana standing there, her expression a mix of concern and warmth.

“Eliana, I’m so sorry,” Sydney murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve dragged you and Alan into this chaotic mess.”

“You silly child,” Eliana replied, her heart tightening at the sight of Sydney’s pale complexion, which seemed to reflect the weight of the world resting on her shoulders. Hearing Sydney’s self-reproach only deepened that ache within her.

Eliana ushered Sydney inside, her grip firm yet gentle. “Listen to yourself, Sydney. How could you even think that way? It’s not your fault. It’s the others who can’t seem to differentiate right from wrong. What does their madness have to do with you? If Alan heard you talking like this, he’d be giving you a stern lecture.”

A flicker of warmth ignited in Sydney’s chest at Eliana’s words. “Alright, I promise I won’t say it again,” she replied, a small smile breaking through her worry.

She slipped off her shoes and followed Eliana into the living room, intending to keep her visit brief. After a moment, she busied herself in the kitchen, brewing a pot of soothing tea, the aroma wafting through the air like a comforting embrace. She poured each of them a cup, the steam curling upwards like delicate tendrils of hope. “Are you managing to feel at home here? If it’s too much, you know you can always come stay with me.”

“We’re fine, really. What’s there to not get used to?” Eliana reassured her, a hint of mischief in her tone.

Alan, sitting across from them, shot Sydney a sidelong glance. He took a sip of his tea, the warmth spreading through him, before he set the cup down with a deliberate slowness. He then reached out his hand toward her.

Sydney’s heart leaped in surprise. “It’s nothing, I—”

“Your hand,” he interjected, his voice low and clipped, a hint of urgency threading through his words.

She hesitated for a moment, the tension palpable in the air, before placing her wrist in his palm. His other hand came to rest on her inner wrist, seeking her pulse, and she felt a rush of warmth at the contact.

Within moments, his brows knitted together so tightly it appeared as if a storm was brewing above them. He clearly wanted to reprimand her, but the words seemed to catch in his throat.

“What nonsense have you done? Caleb’s?” he demanded, his tone sharp.

Sydney exhaled slowly, a sense of resignation washing over her. “No. Julian’s.”

For a fleeting moment, she thought she detected a softening in his expression, a flicker of understanding.

Meanwhile, Elliot had taken Yoyo to Delta Mansion, leaving the apartment feeling achingly desolate.

Sydney sank onto the couch, the cushions enveloping her in a momentary reprieve from her thoughts. Time slipped away, and when midnight came and went, she finally stood to take a shower. As the warm water cascaded down her body, foam filled her hair, and her phone rang, the sound echoing against the porcelain sink.

At this hour, she assumed it must be related to the ongoing drug crisis. She turned off the water and swiped to answer without bothering to check the screen.

Through the steam-fogged display, a voice emerged that she recognized better than her own heartbeat.

“Open the door.” Just three simple words, yet she recognized Julian’s voice instantly.

Her mind stumbled for a moment. “What door?” she asked, confusion lacing her tone.

“My place,” he replied lazily, a hint of mischief in his voice. “I gave it to your mentor.”

There was a brief pause before he continued, “If you don’t open up, should I sleep on the street tonight?”

Sydney felt a mix of emotions swirl within her, a blend of irritation and warmth at his teasing tone. She knew she couldn’t ignore him for long.