Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 481

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 481**

**Chapter 481**

Since the moment the truth had unraveled before her, Sydney found herself ensnared in a relentless cycle of thought, one that echoed like a haunting refrain: ‘If only Julian weren’t a Sterling. If only he weren’t Eloise’s grandson.’

If that were the case, perhaps she wouldn’t be standing here, caught in an agonizing tug-of-war between her feelings for him and the lingering specters of her parents. It was a tormenting dilemma that forced Julian into a position where he had to choose between the love they shared and the blood ties that bound him to a legacy she despised.

Who was she trying to fool, anyway?

Yet, when those words reached Julian, they carried with them a bitter sting, laced with irony that cut deeper than any knife.

Not Eloise’s biological grandson? That fact did nothing to diminish his identity as a Sterling. The blood that coursed through his veins was still steeped in the history of that family, a lineage that had once wielded the power to shatter lives. The very same lineage that had orchestrated the downfall of Sydney’s parents.

His gaze bore into her, searching for a way to convey all the promises he wished he could make—that he would ensure Eloise faced the consequences of her actions. But how could he make such promises when the cost of those actions had already taken two lives? Any vow of vengeance felt hollow, a mere whisper against the roar of loss that Sydney had endured for so long.

Yet, there were truths that had to be spoken, no matter how much they hurt. Whatever came next would be a choice that belonged solely to her.

Julian’s eyes darkened as he drew in a slow, measured breath, but just as he prepared to voice his thoughts, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket, cutting through the moment like a sharp blade.

Sydney instinctively stepped back, creating a small distance between them. “Go ahead and take it,” she urged, her tone laced with resignation.

She knew that whatever lay between them couldn’t be resolved with a few hurried sentences. One phone call would not alter the weight of their situation.

He pulled out his phone, glancing at the caller ID with a frown. It was Jason. The urgency of the call was unmistakable; if Jason was reaching out, it meant something serious was unfolding.

“What is it?” Julian answered, his voice taut with concern.

“Mr. Sterling!” Jason’s voice crackled through the line, urgent and clipped. “Madam Sterling has collapsed! They’re taking her to the hospital right now!”

In that instant, the corridor seemed to hold its breath, the silence amplifying every word as it reached Sydney’s ears with a chilling clarity. She turned to Julian, her heart sinking at the sight of his expression hardening, transforming into a mask of determination.

When Tiffany returned, her eyes sparkled with delight. “You even saved me food? You should’ve told me! No need for takeout then!”

Sydney shot her a playful glare, unable to hide her amusement. “As if we could ever forget about you!”

“You remembered to thank your mentor and his wife for me, right?” Tiffany teased, her grin widening as she linked her arm through Sydney’s.

“I already did,” Sydney replied, affectionately patting Tiffany’s head. “Now, dig in.”

Their professions could not have been more different. Sydney’s work demanded unfaltering precision—diagnosing, prescribing, and conducting meticulous research. In stark contrast, Tiffany’s role required a charm that could smooth over the roughest edges, endless diplomacy, and long hours spent navigating the whims of people she often found insufferable. It was exhausting, and Sydney could see the toll it took on her friend.

As Tiffany savored her meal, Sydney opened the fridge, contemplating her options. “Soda or beer?”

“Beer,” Tiffany declared without a moment’s hesitation. She needed just enough to help her unwind from the day’s trials.

Sydney handed her a cold beer, then selected a soda for herself, the familiar fizz of the drink a welcome comfort in the midst of their chaotic lives.