Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 543

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 543**

**Chapter 543**

Penelope felt a rush of nausea, as if the very air around her was thickening with dread. The sight of Sydney and Tiffany lingering nearby, their eyes glued to the unfolding scene like spectators at a grotesque circus, sent her heart racing. Her temples throbbed with a simmering rage that felt almost palpable, a storm brewing just beneath her skin.

A marriage proposal? The audacity of that grotesque man, Eric, to even consider asking for her hand was infuriating. How could he possibly think she would ever agree to such a thing?

Yet, in the depths of her fury, there was no room for fear. The Huttons, her family, would never stoop so low as to allow her to be married off to someone like Eric. She clenched her fists, channeling her anger into quiet determination as she awaited Raymond’s inevitable rejection of this absurd proposition. Raymond, with his sharp tongue and unwavering resolve, was her only hope. She knew he would send Eric packing without a second thought.

As Raymond listened to Eric’s proposal, a wave of longing washed over him. He yearned to escape this ridiculous charade, to return home to Diana, kneel before her, and express his gratitude. Had it not been for Diana’s revelation of Penelope’s true identity, he would have returned to Jouleston a laughingstock, the subject of Julian’s endless mockery.

Having Penelope as a sister was already a source of humiliation, but the thought of Eric as his brother-in-law was a nightmare he couldn’t bear to entertain. The shame would linger like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over his life.

Raymond feigned ignorance to Penelope’s horrified expression, a faint, inscrutable smile curling his lips. “This is a modern world, Penelope. We don’t need to cling to outdated traditions like arranged marriages. If you wish to marry her, Eric, you must treat her with respect. If she agrees, the rest will be a breeze.”

Though his words were vague, the implication was unmistakable. Should Eric manage to coerce Penelope into compliance, the Huttons would not stand in the way.

Penelope’s eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to Raymond. “Raymond! He is Eric Wolfen!”

Having lived in Jouleston for years, Raymond was acutely aware of Eric’s reputation. The realization that, despite his cold demeanor at home, he would not shield her from such a crucial matter stung deeply.

With a raised eyebrow, Raymond nodded, maintaining his impassive facade. “Yes, I am not blind.”

His disinterested expression only fueled Penelope’s anger, making her feel trapped in a cage of her own emotions. Her gaze shifted to Sydney, a bitter thought creeping into her mind.

Sydney, uninterested in the unfolding drama, pulled Tiffany along, steering her into a nearby boutique.

Tiffany followed, reluctance evident in her every step, muttering under her breath, “Evil meets evil. A perfect match.”

Sydney shot her a sideways glance. “Are you referring to Eric or Raymond?”

“Probably both,” Tiffany replied, her tone laced with sarcasm.

She could easily surmise that Penelope had inadvertently triggered one of Raymond’s many hidden resentments after joining the Huttons. He was notorious for holding grudges and never hesitating to express them.

Yet, something felt amiss. Despite his harsh demeanor, Raymond would never intentionally push his real sister toward someone like Eric. There had to be more to this tangled web than met the eye.