Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 483

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 483**

**Chapter 483**

The atmosphere in the room shifted palpably as everyone present quickly understood the gravity of the situation unfolding before them. It wasn’t merely the palpable fear emanating from the others; even the elderly woman lying in the hospital bed was gripped by an unmistakable terror at the presence of the man standing before her.

In a cunning act of deception, she had remained awake, feigning unconsciousness, her heart racing as she listened to the hushed whispers surrounding her.

The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. No one dared to challenge Julian; they all opted to slip out of the ward like shadows, leaving him alone with Eloise, the very woman he sought to manipulate.

The doctors had reassured them that Eloise had merely fainted—nothing of great concern. She was still very much alive, and her estate was not about to change hands in the blink of an eye. Surely, Julian wouldn’t stoop so low as to pressure her into signing documents while she was in such a vulnerable state. Besides, Eloise was no fool; she had always been sharp, always aware.

As the last of the onlookers exited, Julian lingered for a moment, his expression inscrutable, a mask of calm that belied the storm brewing beneath. Finally, he drawled with a hint of impatience, “You can stop pretending now.”

Eloise felt a flicker of annoyance at his words. Her eyelids fluttered, and she knew all too well that if she continued to feign unconsciousness, this man would not grant her the peace she desperately sought.

With a reluctant sigh, she opened her eyes, feigning a weakness that didn’t truly exist. “Julian, you’re so busy. Why come here yourself?” she asked, her voice laced with a mixture of sarcasm and genuine curiosity.

A faint curve of Julian’s lips formed, but it was neither a smile nor a sign of mockery—just a flat, indifferent expression that left her feeling unsettled. He chose silence over a response, an unspoken power play that hung heavily in the air.

Seeing her awake seemed to ignite a spark of satisfaction in him. He rose from his chair at a leisurely pace, picked up the remote control, and without a second thought, adjusted the head of her hospital bed. He showed no concern for the dizziness it might induce, his actions cold and calculated.

Eloise felt the world tilt as the bed shifted. “What are you doing?” she exclaimed, a hint of panic creeping into her voice.

Julian remained silent, his focus unwavering. He dragged the rolling tray table closer, the wheels squeaking slightly against the floor, and positioned it right in front of her. A sharp slap echoed in the small room as he dropped a document onto the table with a flourish.

“Sign it while you’re still breathing,” he instructed, his tone cool and devoid of any warmth.

At the top of the document, the bold title caught her eye: [SHARE TRANSFER AGREEMENT].

Outside the room, Elliot stood guard by the door, a silent sentinel blocking anyone from entering.

As muffled shouts echoed from within, Victor, unable to contain himself, attempted to rush inside, but Elliot’s firm grip halted him in his tracks. “No one goes in until Mr. Sterling comes out,” he stated with unwavering authority.

“You! What are you—” Victor began, frustration boiling over.

Before he could unleash his fury, Natalie intervened, catching his arm with a gentle yet firm grip.

“Enough, Victor,” she said softly, attempting to soothe him. “He came the moment he heard she fainted. Deep down, he still cares about her. They’ve always had this dynamic, arguing every time they meet.”

Her words were meant to be reassuring, though she was completely unaware of the true turmoil brewing inside that room. If she had an inkling of what was really happening, she would be just as eager to burst through the door as Victor was. After all, with Sterling Corp.’s valuation soaring, that 5% stake was worth over a billion dollars.

And now, with Eloise collapsed, the atmosphere was thick with tension, each person circling like vultures, waiting for that billion to fall into their grasp.