Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 210

Henry looked mildly surprised. "Is that so?"

If she truly knew Sydney, her medical expertise must be remarkable. In that case, it made sense she had become the chief lead of her team.

However, Sydney did not bother with even a token greeting. She sat down again and said flatly, "Hardly familiar."

Her attitude made the situation plain. Even the slowest among them could see she and Penelope were far from friendly.

The two freeloaders in her group pounced on the chance to sneer at her.

Wallace Renfeld clicked his tongue. "See? Real talent stands on its own. Not like some people—no skills, yet they squeeze into Sterling Corp.'s project just to pad their resumes."

Before Sydney joined, they had never even heard her name, yet she had walked in and ended up their direct supervisor.

Hugh Joleon added, "Exactly. If you've got talent, prove it. Don't take on more than you can handle."

"Enough." Henry could not stomach their petty sniping. "What's the point of blaming others for your own failings? You're only making us look ridiculous to outsiders."

They might be blind to Sydney's capability, but as the project leader, Henry knew exactly what she had been working on.

Still, Wallace, buoyed by his seniority at Sterling Corp., shot Sydney a defiant glare. "And what failings? She was made team lead without earning it, wasn't she?"

His dissatisfaction was obvious.

Sydney only smiled faintly. "That's our research result. Why would we need to report it to you?"

The two had done nothing but slack off, too bitter about answering to a young woman to contribute anything meaningful. Sydney had never wasted time calling them out. Their idling could not slow her down anyway.

Hugh rolled his eyes. "If you haven't done it, just admit it. Don't hide behind your pride. You're young and inexperienced. No one would laugh if you failed. But you'd be wiser to step down from that leader's seat sooner rather than later."

Penelope let out a quiet breath when she heard that, relief softening her expression. 'It's as I suspected. Sydney could not possibly have such ability. Impossible.'

Watching the two men refuse to yield, Henry finally snapped, "It's not Sydney clinging to her pride. It's you two not knowing your place."

Hugh's smugness faltered. His expression tightened. "Mr. Linus, what do you mean by that?"