Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 499

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 499**

**Chapter 499**

Agatha had traversed a life filled with challenges and obstacles. For her, the journey had never been straightforward, especially as a woman navigating a world that often felt unkind. Now, as she looked at her grandson, she felt a deep-seated desire for Sydney to avoid the same tumultuous road she had walked. It pained her to think that the man at the center of this turmoil was, in fact, her own flesh and blood.

Julian, ever perceptive, grasped the weight of his grandmother’s concerns. Her words were not a condemnation of Sydney’s pregnancy; rather, they stemmed from a genuine fear that one day, Sydney might harbor resentment towards her for the decisions that had led them to this point. Agatha worried that the child could become a wedge, a barrier between them, and that thought gnawed at her heart.

Yet, Julian found himself untouched by such fears. The idea of standing idly by and witnessing the woman he cherished struggle as a single mother—or worse, the possibility of her marrying someone else—seemed far more daunting than the so-called “problem” that lay before them. In his eyes, there had always been only one person who mattered: Sydney.

With a voice that resonated with both conviction and solemnity, he declared, “Grandma, I am absolutely certain. I’ve never entertained the thought of marrying anyone else. For me, as long as she is herself, nothing else holds significance.”

He had shared this sentiment with Sydney just a few days prior, and it remained true—his heart only belonged to her, as she was.

Agatha’s expression softened, a flicker of relief and pride illuminating her features.

“Well, it appears that bad genes don’t always pass down,” she remarked with a small sigh, her tone lightening. “At least you and your father didn’t inherit his.”

The “his” she referenced could only point to Elijah Sterling, Julian’s late grandfather—a man whose power was rivaled only by his capriciousness.

Julian raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “That’s because your superior genes were far too powerful, Grandma. They obliterated every trace of his less desirable traits.”

She snorted, her eyes glinting with amusement as she saw through his playful banter. “You’ve got a knack for sweet-talking me, don’t you?”

Narrowing her gaze, she added with a mock seriousness, “Alright, out with it. What do you need my help with this time?”

Julian didn’t bother to play coy. “Actually, there is something I’d like to discuss.”

Her brows knitted together, a look of concern washing over her face.

“You…” She poked his arm with her finger, her frown deepening with each poke. “Are you sure this isn’t pushing things too far? Ugh, give me a moment to think!”

Before he could offer her another sugar-coated line, she swiftly loaded the dishes into the dishwasher, grabbed her well-worn canvas bag, and made a hasty retreat.

‘This kid! Every time he starts buttering me up, I know it means trouble is brewing.’

Meanwhile, a white Audi zoomed through a green light, veering sharply into the Haven parking lot. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension, crackling like electricity in the air.

In the passenger seat, Raymond’s expression was dark and taut, each line of his body radiating irritation.

Now, as he watched his temper flare yet again, Tiffany turned to him, her voice flat and unyielding. “What? You wouldn’t even let me talk to Glen when we were dating. And now it’s still an issue?”

Since their university days, Raymond had bristled at the sight of Glen.

To him, her words felt like a direct challenge. His tone turned icy. “When we were dating, I couldn’t stop you from laughing and chatting with him. Do you think I can stop you now?”

The implication was unmistakable—an accusation that she had always been too close to another man, even during their relationship.

Tiffany’s lips curled into a sharp, humorless smile. “If you knew you couldn’t stop me, then why keep asking for trouble?”

The car glided into a parking space and came to a halt. She unbuckled her seatbelt, retrieved her bag from the back seat, and began to exit the vehicle.

But Raymond was quick to follow, taking two swift strides to close the distance between them. He grasped her arm firmly, a wave of restrained heat radiating from his chest.

When she turned back, drawn by his grip, her striking features remained calm, devoid of any visible emotion.

“What now, Mr. Hutton?” she inquired coolly, her gaze steady and unwavering.