Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 212

That one line made Penelope freeze. Then, as if she had just heard the most absurd joke of her life, she burst into laughter and stared at Sydney as though she were insane.

"Don't tell me you're going to claim you're Alan's secret protege. Keep dreaming! If that were true, you'd already be rubbing elbows with powerful officials and basking in fame. Instead, you're stuck here, grinding away at research like a nobody."

Sydney grinned slightly. "Whether I am or not, I have no need to tell you."

She didn't give Penelope a chance to reply, striding off with deliberate speed.

Penelope refused to let it go. "You don't want to know why I came here today?"

"Not interested." Sydney didn't even look back.

She could guess anyway. Penelope would undoubtedly try to dangle Caleb's name, claiming he had paved her way. In Jouleston, few people wielded the influence to do that.

Stepping into the elevator just as the doors were closing, another colleague hurried in. His face shone with admiration. "Ms. Wilson, you're incredible!"

Sydney's tone remained calm. "Anyone devoted to research can achieve great things. It all depends on where you focus your energy."

This one was different from Hugh and Wallace. He had never looked down on her, and whenever Sydney needed an extra hand, he was always the first to offer one.

Shane nodded eagerly, grinning. "If you ever need help with anything, just call me anytime."

Sydney smiled briefly. "Alright."

When the elevator reached their floor, the group walked out together.

Once they put a little distance between themselves and the others, Marcus leaned closer. "Do you really plan on working with Penelope?"

"Of course not." Sydney didn't hesitate. Her tone was firm. "She's incapable of developing anything."

After all, he didn't mind taking the long way for the woman he wanted to spend his life with.

Sydney was still figuring out how to refuse when his phone rang. Without stepping aside, Caleb answered. It was Gordon.

"What is it?"

"Mr. Hampton," Gordon said quickly, "Our men in Brimcrest City searched the old archives of Mount Pine Orphanage. We found a childhood photo of that little girl. Do you want to see it?"

Caleb's eyes narrowed. "Send it to me. Now."

"On it." Two seconds later, Gordon reported, "It's been sent."

The message popped up. Caleb tapped it open, and the moment he saw the photo, urgency surged through him.