Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 576

Chapter 576 

At that point, no further explanation was needed. Florence immediately understood what her daughter intended to do. Diana did not merely plan to shatter Adeline’s illusion. She also intended to slap her publicly. 

Florence was usually reserved rather than cold, and certainly not soft-hearted. After hearing that, she raised no objection. She only offered a calm reminder. “Don’t let this drag Sydney into it.” 

Adeline was not an easy person to deal with. If she lost control, she might turn around and target Sydney instead. 

Diana had already thought it through. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” 

Florence remained uneasy. “Any news from James about the paternity test?” 

“If there is, you’ll be the first to know.” 

Diana understood her mother’s anxiety. She shared it herself and had been waiting for the result just as long 

Worry, however, would not speed anything up. The samples had been sent overseas, which alone took a full day. Only three days had passed. A delay was perfectly normal. 

Even so, the timing felt uncanny. The estimated release date fell on the day of the charity gala. If the outcome matched their hopes, they could settle old scores and celebrate in one stroke. 

Her sister would be able to return to their family openly and with dignity. 

Sydney’s mind was crowded with worries. As dawn began to break, the thought of Eliana being poisoned jolted her awake. 

The space beside her was empty. She checked the time, then heard faint movement from the bathroom. Only then did she relax. 

For a moment, she had feared Julian had not slept at all. 

She had just gotten out of bed and drawn back the curtains when Julian came out of the bathroom. He looked refreshed. “Did you sleep well?” 

“More or less.” Sydney nodded. “I want to go to the research institute today to see Dr. Vermont. Is that convenient?” 

“Of course. I need to stop by the company first anyway. We can go together.” As he spoke, Julian pressed a tie into her hand and lightly rubbed her head. “Help me tie it?” 

She did not refuse. It had been a long time since she had tied a tie for anyone, though, and her mind stalled. She could not quite remember the steps. 

Julian leaned closer, his expression gentle, and guided her hands as he looped the tie once. “Forgot? I’ll show you.” 

“All right.” Sydney watched their hands overlap, their fingers brushing together, and memories from years ago surfaced without warning. 

It had been a morning like this. Back then, however, she had been dragged out of bed by force. 

A confident young man had shoved a tie into her hands and said, without room for refusal, “Help me tie it.” 

That day marked his university graduation ceremony. It was the first time Sydney had ever tied a tie for someone. 

Half asleep, she had opened her phone and watched several tutorials before producing something barely acceptable. 

In the blink of an eye, ten years had passed. 

He enjoyed collecting calligraphy masterpieces. When Charlotte had come to invite him the day before, she had brought an authentic work by a renowned calligrapher. It was a priceless treasure. 

Ewan knew Julian had made that move for the sake of the young woman standing before him, so he did not claim the favor as his own. 

After Ewan returned to the lab, Sydney went to the project team. Several days had passed since her last visit. 

The moment Henry saw her, he treated her like an honored guest, personally pouring orange juice and bringing snacks. 

Ever since the drug Sydney developed went to market, everyone at the research institute had gained a new level of respect wherever they went. 

Sydney smiled helplessly and was about to thank him when someone knocked on the office door. 

It was Julian. 

Henry immediately greeted him with respect. “Mr. Sterling.” 

Then he fell silent. He was not foolish. He knew exactly whom Julian had come for. 

Julian gave a slight nod, signaling Henry to step out, and then walked straight to Sydney’s side. “Elliot found something.” 

“Did he find out who Thomas contacted?” 1 

“Yes.” Julian rested a hand on her shoulder. “I can tell you, but you must promise me one thing first. Even if it’s only for the sake of the baby, do not let your emotions get out of control.”