Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 487

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 487**

**Chapter 487**

The treatment unfolded with an almost surreal smoothness, as if the universe had conspired to ensure that everything went right for once.

As the session drew to a close, Jeremiah accepted the new prescription that Sydney had meticulously crafted. He steadied himself against his cane, a familiar companion that had become a symbol of both his struggles and his resilience, and guided them toward the exit. “Dr. Wilson, thank you for your presence today,” he said, his voice carrying a weight of gratitude.

“I will not impede your care,” she replied, her tone measured and professional, yet there was an underlying warmth that hinted at their shared history. Jeremiah, however, did not wait for her to inquire further. He took the initiative, his brow furrowed with the seriousness of what needed to be addressed.

Sydney pressed her lips together, a habit formed from years of caution. She remained guarded, but the edge in her voice softened slightly. “Mr. Clifford, if there’s any progress, please do not hesitate to inform me.”

The words of Julian had provided her with a fleeting sense of stability, a lifeline in her turbulent sea of thoughts, yet the questions that haunted her remained unanswered. Why had she found herself alone in that dismal Southeast Lavian den years ago?

Had someone trafficked her? Had she been abandoned like a discarded toy? Or, the most terrifying thought of all—had her birth parents been involved in the drug trade? The mere idea sent a chill racing down her spine.

A stark, unforgiving realization emerged alongside her fears. Even if her biological parents were still alive, she would never acknowledge them. They had already shattered her life once; she would not allow her child to inherit that same legacy of uncertainty and pain.

As they drove back to the institute, Marcus, ever observant, noticed her distracted demeanor. He tried to respect her space, but curiosity got the better of him. “What did Mr. Clifford promise you?” he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Just as she began to formulate a response, her phone buzzed insistently, cutting through the tension. The screen flashed the name “Eloise.”

Once, she had labeled that contact as “Grandma,” a title that had felt both warm and familiar. Yet, after recent events, she had changed it. The sudden reappearance of the name sent a jolt through her, and she hesitated for a moment before answering.

“Hello,” she said, her voice remaining cool and detached. There was no greeting, no pretense of warmth.

In the past, Eloise would have launched into a tirade, her words sharp and filled with venom. Sydney braced herself for the familiar onslaught.

To her surprise, Eloise’s tone was almost congenial. “Sydney, are you at the clinic today? Are you busy?”

Sydney’s brow furrowed in confusion. What game was being played here?

Before she could gather her thoughts, Jason’s voice cut through the haze. “Ms. Wilson, Madam Sterling fainted last night. She has been asking for you all morning. If you can spare the time, please come to the hospital.”

Sydney’s expression hardened. “Jason, if there’s something you need to say, then just say it. Is this about trying to convince Julian to marry, or what?”

Her question landed like a stone in a still pond, creating ripples of tension. Eloise’s face flushed at the implication, and she shot a warning glare at Jason, who stood nearby.

“This time, Madam Sterling genuinely wishes to see you and talk. After her fainting spell, she expressed a change of heart about many things. She feels she acted foolishly before and hopes you will not hold it against her,” he pressed, his tone strained as if he were trying to convince her of the impossible.

The very notion of humbling herself to anyone was intolerable. She had just lost her shares, and now someone suggested she lower her head before that insolent girl? Absolutely not!

She shot Jason a look that brooked no argument, and he obediently retrieved the phone for her.

Eloise dialed a number she knew by heart, her fingers trembling slightly. “It’s me,” she said, her voice steady yet tinged with urgency.

The man on the other end sounded older, but there was a patience in his tone that he rarely extended to others. “We met last night. What is it?”

She pinched her words tightly, hissing, “Why should I placate Sydney? Can we simply keep her from returning to the Hutton family?”

“Blocking her from returning would indeed be simpler, possibly. There is an option,” he replied, his voice calm and measured.

Then he carefully explained the situation. “It is not twenty years ago. After the incident in Brimcrest, the police are scrutinizing the company closely. We must act to ease their vigilance.”

“Having Sydney publicly accept kinship with the Hutton family would signify loyalty. If she acknowledges them, the police will see less reason to suspect us.”

Let Sydney go home, recognize the Huttons, and that would serve as a signal of submission. In return, their operations would be less encumbered.

The plan made Eloise’s mouth water with cold calculation. It felt ruthless, yet it was undeniably logical.