Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 478

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 478**

**Chapter 478**

In those days, the entire situation had sent shockwaves through the community. The Hutton family wielded considerable influence, and Old Z had retreated into the shadows, much like a turtle withdrawing into its protective shell, determined to keep the young girl’s location a closely guarded secret. However, as desperation clawed at him, he found himself with no choice but to seek their assistance.

By a twist of fate, they had a shipment scheduled for Southeast Lavia that very night, and thus, they decided to send the girl along with the cargo, hoping to shield her from the looming dangers.

Yet, the whims of the universe can be cruel and unyielding. Shortly after her arrival, the entire operation was violently interrupted by law enforcement in a dramatic cross-border raid.

The girl simply vanished from existence. No trace of her was ever found—neither alive nor dead, her fate a haunting mystery.

As the driver’s mind began to connect the dots, realization dawned on him. “So, you’re suggesting that Dr. Wilson could potentially be…”

Jeremiah offered him a faint smile, keeping his thoughts to himself, as if guarding a truth too heavy to share.

The driver let out a sigh that was a curious mix of humor and empathy. “Well, if that’s the case, Dr. Wilson has truly had a streak of bad luck. All these years, Eloise has been tormenting her, convinced she was the daughter of her enemy. That poor woman has been shouldering the blame for someone else’s mistakes.”

With a sense of urgency, Sydney drove straight back to Haven. Even after stepping out of the car, her nerves remained tightly wound, like a coiled spring ready to snap. Despite the Shepards being her connection to Jeremiah, something about him unsettled her deeply. Was it his calm demeanor, his knowing gaze, or was she merely succumbing to her own paranoia?

The elevator chimed softly as it reached her floor, but her thoughts were still swirling when a familiar, low voice sliced through her reverie. “What are you daydreaming about?”

The rich baritone startled her momentarily, but relief washed over her as she turned to see Julian standing there, his presence a reassuring balm.

“Just lost in thought,” she replied softly, stepping out beside him, grateful for the familiar company.

As they approached their apartments, both doors—2201 and 2202—stood ajar, and a delicious, savory aroma wafted from 2202, beckoning them closer.

“What were you thinking about?” Julian inquired evenly, his curiosity piqued.

“Julian, could you help me look into someone?” Sydney said, deciding to cut straight to the chase, her heart racing at the prospect.

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Who are we investigating?”

“Jeremiah Clifford.” A sense of urgency filled her; she sensed that uncovering the truth about him would lead her to uncover the truth about herself, a tangled web of secrets waiting to be unraveled.

Sydney coughed lightly, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she feigned defense. “Now that’s not fair. Your cooking is the best…”

“Enough.” He shot her a sideways glare, though his tone was indulgent, reminiscent of a father scolding a beloved daughter. “Go wash your hands and come eat.”

“Okay!” she chirped, darting off toward the bathroom with a lightness in her step.

As soon as she disappeared, Alan turned his attention to Julian, his demeanor shifting in an instant. “And you, boy. Don’t just stand there. Come help with the dishes.”

The command was clear, leaving no doubt about his disapproval of Julian. It was evident that he didn’t like him—at all.

For the past two days, every time Alan had laid eyes on Julian, his expression had soured, as if he were tasting something bitter.

Julian merely raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the hostility. Without protest, he crossed the room to assist. “Sure.”

Seeing the tension, Eliana quickly intervened, her voice gentle and soothing. “Don’t mind him,” she said, trying to diffuse the situation. “Sydney grew up under his care. He treats her like his own daughter.”

With a resigned sigh, she added, “And now, with you two not even married yet and the girl already pregnant… Well, it’s only natural that he’s a little upset.”