Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 527

Chapter 527

Before she spoke, Sydney could hear her heartbeat pounding in her ears. When the words finally left her lips, her whole body seemed to loosen, as if she had been holding her breath for

years.

Good or bad, she was ready for either. All she could do now was wait quietly for Jeremiah to tell her the truth.

He set a steaming cup of tea in front of her.

“The Hutton family’s charity gala will be held here in Jouleston this year,” he said evenly. “Dr. Wilson, will you have time to attend?”

“Mr. Clifford, I…” Sydney thought he was trying to change the subject. But halfway through her reply, realization struck. “My… My biological parents-they’ll be at that gala?”

Jeremiah smiled, the corners of his eyes softening. “You’re a smart woman.”

When he nodded, the air rushed from Sydney’s lungs like a wave breaking free. They were not criminals. Her parents were not traffickers. Which meant she was not the daughter of a drug lord. She would not drag Julian down with her. Nothing would ever have to separate them again.

“Thank you,’ she thought, dizzy with relief. “Thank you for letting me have this life again.’

The tension that had gripped her chest for days finally eased. Every bitter seed from the past seemed to dissolve right there in that room, making space for something light and new.

From this moment on, her life was beginning again. She would stay with Julian, carry their baby safely, and they would become a family of three-whole and happy, just as they were

meant to be.

She let out a long, trembling breath.

“Mr. Clifford, do they know I’m alive?” she asked quietly.

The relief faded into unease. Now that she knew her parents were neither dead nor monstrous,

a new fear crept in-that they might have stopped wanting her. Or worse, that her sudden return might disturb their peaceful lives.

If that were the case, she would rather leave things as they were. She did not need a grand reunion. What she had now was already enough.

“Don’t worry,” Jeremiah said, sipping his drink. “They’ve been looking for you all these years. But right now isn’t the best time for you to show up.”

Sydney thought he was afraid she might act impulsively and rush to find them. Hence, she didn’t press further. Her greatest fear was already gone, and she could wait a few more days for details.

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She steadied herself, examined him again, and performed another round of acupuncture before taking her leave.

When she stepped outside, the McLaren that had been blocking the driveway was gone.

*25 Bonus

Instead of returning straight to Delta Mansion, Sydney drove to Hutton Corp.’s branch in Jouleston.

The public welfare project she was consulting on was progressing smoothly, and as soon as she arrived, the project team surrounded her with questions.

She answered them patiently. Although she always replied promptly online, some things were simply easier to discuss face-to-face.

By the time she wrapped up, it was past 4:00 p.m.

Just as she stepped into the elevator lobby, she ran into James. His expression was unusually tense, but it softened when he saw her.

“I heard you were here,” he said. “Thought I’d come down and see you.”

Sydney smiled. “It’s been a while since I last came by. I had some free time today and wanted to check in. You must be busy. No need to come down just for me.”

Considering Hutton Corp.’s size-even this single branch in Jouleston-James must barely have time to breathe, let alone socialize.

He hesitated, searching for the right words. “Actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Sensing it wasn’t a light topic, Sydney said gently, “Then let’s go upstairs and talk. It’s still early.”

“Alright.” He looked visibly relieved and led her to his office.

When they sat down, the assistant brought in fresh juice and a small slice of low-sugar cake instead of her usual coffee.

Before Sydney could comment, the assistant smiled and explained softly, “The juice is freshly squeezed, and the cake’s low in sugar. It’s safe for you to have.”

‘Ah. Clearly, James has told them I’m pregnant,’ she thought.

Sydney smiled. “It’s fine. I spoil myself more than this at home.”

She avoided alcohol and caffeine, but she allowed herself everything else in moderation.

Once the assistant left, Sydney took a sip of juice and looked up at him. “So, what did you want to talk about, James?”

+25 Bonus

He pressed his lips together with a frown. It wasn’t often he looked this hesitant.

Finally, he came out with it. “It’s about Caleb.”

Sydney blinked, then immediately made the connection.

“You mean the rumor about him marrying Penelope?” She spoke calmly, without hesitation or emotion, like someone commenting on a headline she had scrolled past online.

Seeing that she wasn’t upset, James’ frown eased slightly. “You already knew?”

It made sense. Penelope had brought it up just last night at dinner, only for Diana to shut her down cold.

But if Penelope insisted, and if Caleb agreed, the two families would hardly object.

Sydney smiled faintly. “Just a lucky guess.”

He nodded, conceding the point. Their past gossip had filled half the tabloids already.

“This isn’t something I wanted to bring up,” he said. “It’s none of your concern now, and I didn’t want it to affect your mood. But keeping it from you felt worse. Don’t worry. We’ll find a way to stop it.”

Whether or not Sydney cared about Caleb, the Huttons still had their own sense of loyalty toward her.

Sydney understood, and warmth bloomed in her chest.

“There’s no need,” she said softly. “Whoever wants to marry, let them. It has nothing to do with me anymore.”

The Huttons’ willingness to tell her first was already enough for her to let the matter go completely.

As for the Hamptons, if they were happy to be made fools of, why should she stop them?

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