Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Sydney felt the weight of his hand on hers, her other palm braced against his leg. She understood now that their balance had changed. In this relationship, Julian held all the power.

She nodded. “I know.”

The car eased to a smooth stop in front of Sterling Corp.’s headquarters. A knock tapped against the tinted window. It was Charlotte.

Even though the privacy glass separated them, Sydney instinctively pulled free from his grip and slid back into her seat. Meeting Julian’s sharp, displeased gaze, she explained primly, “We’re at work.”

There should be clear lines between business and personal.

Julian let it drop and stepped out with the cool, aloof poise that came as naturally as breathing. The man who had pressed her into his arms moments before was gone.

Charlotte had been about to speak when her eyes flicked past him, catching sight of Sydney in the back seat. Surprised, she blinked. “Syd, heading to R&D?”

“Yes,” Sydney said, nodding.

Charlotte smiled, then turned to Julian. “Mr. Sterling, where were you this morning? The shareholder meeting had to be rescheduled.”

Something about their exchange struck Sydney as odd. A secretary should not speak so casually or bluntly to her employer.

Julian shot her a cool glance. “Who’s the boss here? You or me?”

‘Cutting, but typical,‘ Sydney thought.

Charlotte seemed unfazed. She laughed it off and redirected her attention to Sydney. “What do you think, Syd? Is your brother’s work ethic acceptable?”

Sydney, with no ground to stand on, dared not respond.

Luckily, the entryway remained quiet. She seized the moment, slipping from the car. “There’s a meeting in R&D. I should go.”

She bolted.

Sydney arrived just in time, steadying herself before diving into work.

At first, Henry had assumed she was too young to lead the Medicine team. But after weeks of collaboration, he recognized her skill and authority. Her subordinates would benefit enormously from following her guidance.

By the meeting’s end, after hearing her latest proposal, he said with genuine respect, “Dr. Wilson, it looks like you really might develop an anti–cancer drug with zero side effects. At your age, such depth in medicine is rare.”

1/2

Sydney smiled lightly. “Not might. I will.”

Her certainty silenced the room. Faces shifted in shock, doubt, even scorn.

Zero side effects? That was a bold claim–maybe too bold. Many assumed Henry’s praise had been polite. And here she was, stating it as fact.

Catching the unwavering light in her eyes, Henry nodded again. “Then I’ll await the results.”

Had she said this at the start, he might have dismissed it outright. But anyone who had engaged with her professionally even once would recognize the truth: her expertise ran far deeper than her resume suggested. She was no ordinary Jouleston University Medicine graduate.

When the meeting ended, Sydney stepped into the hall and saw Charlotte waiting.

Charlotte had brought snacks, handing them out for others before approaching with a cup of coffee. Offering it with a warm smile, she said, “I’m free tonight. Want to grab dinner together after work?”

Sydney thanked her but shook her head. “Sorry, not tonight. I need to get home early.”

Tiffany was still recovering, and she wanted to be there for her.

2/2