Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 269

**Chapter 269**

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling city, Marcus seized the moment to inquire about the events of their midday confrontation. “How did you know they would crack under pressure? What if they hadn’t? Were you genuinely considering quitting?” His voice was a mix of curiosity and admiration, laced with concern.

Sydney tilted her head back, relishing the stretch of her weary shoulders. A hint of mischief danced in her eyes as she replied, “Who said I was bluffing?”

The revelation hit Marcus like a sudden gust of wind. “That camera was real?” His surprise was palpable, eyes wide with disbelief.

She nodded, a hint of pride flickering across her face. “Yes, it was very real.”

The moment she detected the discontent simmering within her team, a plan began to form in her mind. After a flurry of thoughts and ideas, she had settled on her best course of action: coaxing Elliot to discreetly install a hidden camera during the New Year holiday. It was on a separate circuit, known only to Juan. The holiday bustle had kept her from mentioning it to Marcus, a decision she had made to ensure the operation remained under wraps.

As she spoke, Marcus couldn’t help but admire the way her eyes sparkled with amusement. “If our mentor knew just how meticulous you’ve become, he’d shower you with compliments,” he said, a grin spreading across his face.

Sydney bit her lip, a faint smile playing on her features.

She was acutely aware that Alan regarded her as a daughter of sorts. When she first began her apprenticeship, she had been a blank slate, filled with eagerness yet lacking knowledge. Each time she successfully memorized a new herb, the old man would pour himself an extra cup of wine at dinner, celebrating her small victories.

Whether his celebrations were sincere or merely a ruse to indulge in another glass, she had never quite deciphered. Yet, there was no denying he had consumed quite a bit under that guise.

Now that she was beginning to carve out her own reputation, Alan took every opportunity to brag about her accomplishments, his pride radiating so fiercely that it seemed his face might split in two from smiling so broadly.

It was amusing, really, how few outside of their circle even recognized his prized protégé. Still, those who did would humor him with praise, indulging his fondness for boasting.

In the stillness of the night, when her thoughts wandered back to those fourteen years spent with her mentor and his wife, her lingering resentment toward Julian for his abandonment began to soften. After all, it was Julian who had introduced her to Alan, who had guided her through the first years of her journey, and who had driven her back and forth for six long years, come rain or shine.

Since their routes aligned, Marcus kindly offered her a ride home.

As they drove, Sydney found herself drifting in and out of a drowsy haze, the rhythm of the road lulling her into a trance-like state.

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