Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 540

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 540**

**Chapter 540**

As Eliana processed Sydney’s words, she shook her head gently, her expression resolute. “I really don’t think that’s the case,” she replied thoughtfully, her voice steady.

She continued, her tone shifting slightly as she recalled recent events. “Every time Caleb comes around, he’s always lending a hand to both me and Alan. When I’m out in the garden, he’s the one hauling fertilizer for me, making the task much lighter. And when Alan decides to go fishing in the back, it’s Caleb who carries all the tackle for him. It seems to me that the boy is simply unable to let go of you. He’s hoping that Alan and I will speak positively about him, that we’ll see him in a better light.”

The last part of her statement was directed pointedly at Sydney, a hint of concern in her eyes.

Sydney pressed her lips together, feeling a mix of irritation and protectiveness. “If he shows up again, promise me you’ll let me know. I’ll call him myself and ask him to stop bothering you two,” she replied, her voice firm yet layered with an underlying tension.

She had always assumed that Caleb’s visits were motivated by legitimate business discussions regarding Hampton Corp.’s various pharmaceutical projects. It seemed only natural that he and Alan would have matters to discuss. The thought that he might come solely for her was unexpected and, frankly, unsettling.

“Alright,” Eliana said, her expression softening with sympathy. She then deftly shifted the conversation to a more pleasant topic. “Have you had your prenatal checkup recently? How’s everything going with the baby?”

“The baby is doing just fine,” Sydney replied, her face lighting up with a smile that radiated warmth. “We even heard the heartbeat during the last appointment.”

At this, Tiffany’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she eagerly interjected, “It was so strong and rapid! You could tell right away that it’s a healthy little rascal.”

She reached out, her hand brushing against Sydney’s belly, her enthusiasm palpable. Tiffany had never shown such an interest in the pregnancies of their other cousins, but ever since Sydney had announced her own news, Tiffany had been over the moon. Her online shopping carts were overflowing with adorable baby supplies, each item a testament to her excitement.

Alan observed Tiffany, the young woman he had watched grow up, now blossoming into an expectant mother. A sigh escaped his lips, heavy with unspoken thoughts. “And what does that Sterling boy have to say about all this?” he asked, his tone laced with concern.

The impending arrival of the child was a significant event, and the marriage should have already been settled by now.

Sydney felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her as she rubbed her nose, avoiding Alan’s gaze. “I haven’t told him yet,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alan’s mild demeanor shifted, hardening into something more serious. “What on earth are you thinking?” he questioned, his brow furrowing with disapproval.

Alan’s expression turned serious. “Tiffany shared with us what really transpired back then and why Julian turned against you.” He paused, his gaze piercing. “Do you know why I agreed to meet you in the first place when I had no intention of taking on any new apprentices?”

Sydney froze, memories flooding back. Julian had once told her that Alan was searching for a new apprentice and wanted to evaluate her talent. She could vividly recall that day; Julian had been a teenage boy in a crisp white shirt, wind tousling his hair, as he dragged her through the streets, insisting she meet his teacher.

“Why?” she finally asked, her curiosity piqued.

Alan did not soften the truth. “He dropped you home every day after school and then came straight to my place. He did chores, ran errands—anything he could do to help.”

“He worked harder than Caleb ever did. At least Caleb tried to maintain some semblance of dignity, but Julian didn’t care about that at all. I’ve shouted at him more than once, but he’d just grin like a fool, undeterred.”

“That kid wore me down. He wore Eliana down too. We reached a point where we simply couldn’t say no.”

Sydney’s body stiffened, her chest tightening as she recalled those moments. She had been just nine years old then, and Julian had been fifteen, caught in the throes of restless youth. Even then, he had lowered his head and pleaded for her sake, his earnestness striking a chord deep within her.