Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 473

**Chapter 473**

Perhaps Sydney simply wished to avoid any unnecessary confrontations with Jeremiah. Their last encounter had been unsettling; he had maintained a facade of casualness, yet there was an underlying intensity in his probing questions, as if he were fishing for details about her life. The whole experience had left her feeling exposed and uneasy.

“All right,” Marcus said, his tone gentle yet perceptive, as if he could sense the tension radiating from her. He chose not to press her further on the matter, but he offered what little insight he had. “I spoke to my parents about him the last time we met. You know, Jeremiah is actually an old friend of theirs. Even during his years abroad, they kept in touch fairly regularly.”

As he spoke, he slid the plate of honey-glazed ribs toward her, a gesture that did not go unnoticed. Sydney’s heart warmed a little; he knew her well enough to understand that these ribs were her absolute favorite.

A faint smile broke through her earlier discomfort, and she felt some of the tightness in her chest ease. “That’s good to hear,” she replied, her voice softening.

“I just didn’t want you to feel too on edge,” Marcus said, his tone reassuring. “But still, it never hurts to exercise a bit of caution.”

His words had a calming effect on her, eliciting a quiet laugh from deep within. “So, if I decide to turn down their request, you won’t hold it against me?” she teased lightly.

He chuckled, a warm sound that filled the space between them. “What are you even saying? You’re the doctor, and he’s the patient. Unless there’s something truly extraordinary at play, your decision is what matters most.”

Home visits were not part of her professional obligations. Agreeing to one would be a favor, while refusing was her prerogative. Yet, what she hadn’t anticipated was Jeremiah’s proactive approach; he sought her out before she could even formulate an official response.

After lunch, Sydney found herself driving toward Seraph Villa, her mind swirling with thoughts of the day’s events.

As she arrived, she spotted Florence already waiting in the courtyard, soaking up the gentle warmth of the afternoon sun, just as her doctor had advised. Even though Sydney had assured her of her visit, a sense of unease lingered until she could see Florence with her own eyes.

Deep down, she understood the weight of their connection. If Penelope truly was Florence’s biological daughter, then the Huttons owed Sydney a significant debt for the turmoil Penelope had caused.

When Sydney parked her car and approached the gate, she spotted Florence seated under the shade of a parasol, exuding her usual calm and grace.

“Mom!” Two voices called out in unison, breaking the momentary tranquility.

Sydney turned the wheelchair to see Penelope and Megan approaching them. Penelope’s eyes locked onto Sydney’s, and this time, there was no trace of arrogance; instead, guilt and a forced semblance of remorse painted her features.

“Sydney,” Penelope began, her voice low and wavering. “I was blinded by greed before. I realize now that no apology can ever truly make up for what I did. But if there’s anything you want—anything at all—please tell me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. And if that’s not enough, I can kneel right here and beg for your forgiveness if that’s what you desire.”

Her words carried the weight of repentance, yet they rang hollow, as cold and unforgiving as the atmosphere surrounding them, especially with Florence present.

Sydney’s expression hardened, a frown forming as she processed the insincerity of the performance unfolding before her.

Before she could respond, Florence’s voice sliced through the tension like a knife. “This is your idea of making amends? Kneeling? Apologizing? Do you honestly believe that your knees are worth more than someone else’s life? That car accident nearly took her away from us.”