Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 464

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 464**

**Chapter 464**

The expressions on the faces of the Hutton family shifted simultaneously, as if choreographed by an unseen hand. Just moments ago, they had been grappling with the unexpected return of Penelope, and now, she stood before them, visibly pregnant.

Pregnant with whose child?

The thought pierced through the air like a dagger, leaving an uncomfortable silence in its wake. If it turned out that the father was her brother-in-law, the Huttons—whose impeccable reputation had remained unblemished for over a century—would be thrust into a realm of disgrace they had never fathomed.

Penelope, acutely aware of their preference for Sydney, lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I was confused for a while, but I realize now that I did wrong. From now on, I’ll change…”

“You can save the redemption speech,” Raymond interjected, his tone as frigid as the winter air outside. “Just tell us whose kid it is.”

Her silence was deafening.

Raymond clicked his tongue in frustration. “Caleb’s?”

Still, she remained silent, her head bowed, as if the weight of her shame was too heavy to bear.

Raising an eyebrow, Raymond stood and pivoted towards Diana, his impatience palpable. “I’ve got things to handle in Jouleston. She’s yours.”

The message was unmistakable; he could no longer endure the sight of Penelope, not for another moment.

James, glancing at his watch, rose as well. “I should head back. There’s a management meeting at the branch this afternoon.”

Diana shot both men a look that could cut glass, but she chose to remain silent, her mind racing with thoughts she dared not voice.

As she approached the elevator, her heart sank at the sight of Florence descending the stairs, her maid trailing behind with a small suitcase in tow.

Diana frowned deeply. “Mom, what are you doing?”

“I’m returning to Jouleston to continue treatment,” Florence replied, her eyes flickering over Penelope, a pang of concern tightening her chest.

Seizing the opportunity, Penelope adopted a gentle tone, her voice laced with an air of remorse. “Mom, I studied medicine too. Maybe I could help with your treatment?”

[Didn’t someone already ask what’s between Sydney and Mr. Sterling? Now it all makes sense. Two vultures feeding on people’s blood!]

Had Sydney not personally reviewed the follow-up data from recent patients, she might have been swayed by the venomous accusations.

Yet, when her gaze caught the words “vultures” and “couple,” she instinctively glanced up at the man seated across the semi-open study area.

Julian had decided to forgo the office that morning, likely to keep a protective eye on her. He had already conducted several online meetings from the comfort of home.

Dressed in a tailored black shirt, the top buttons undone, and sleeves rolled to his forearms, he exuded a casual yet commanding presence. His rimless glasses perched on his nose, accentuating the sharp angles of his features.

As he spoke in a calm, measured tone, his long fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk, directing the legal department to pursue lawsuits against the bloggers spearheading the smear campaign.

In that moment, Sydney couldn’t help but think that the rumors branding him a “living devil” didn’t seem so far-fetched after all.

Then, her phone rang, pulling her from her reverie. She glanced at the screen, hesitated for a heartbeat, and answered. “Hello, Madam.”

It was Florence. After the revelations from the previous night regarding Penelope potentially being the Huttons’ lost daughter, Sydney felt a wave of quiet resignation wash over her.