Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 297

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 297**

**Chapter 297**

After meticulously penning down the prescription, Charlotte glanced up, her heart sinking slightly as she realized the pharmacy was currently on its lunch break. With a resigned sigh, she handed over the prescription, filled in the delivery address with a neatness that reflected her attention to detail, and then turned her focus to Sydney, who was waiting patiently by her side. “Let’s grab a bite to eat while we wait,” she suggested, her voice light, masking the slight annoyance at the pharmacy’s timing.

They drove to a cozy little restaurant nearby, the kind that seemed to exude warmth and comfort. As they parked, Sydney’s phone buzzed with a message. She quickly glanced at the screen, then looked over at Charlotte, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “My good friend Tiffany is nearby and she wants to join us for lunch. Do you mind if she comes along?”

Charlotte smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. “Not at all! Please, invite her over. The more, the merrier.”

As they entered the restaurant, Charlotte took a moment to rinse the tableware in hot water, a local custom in Jouleston that she had come to respect. It was an odd yet comforting ritual; no matter how spotless the dishes appeared, they were always scalded first. It didn’t eradicate all germs, but it provided a sense of reassurance, a small act of care that made the meal feel more special. She even took the liberty of washing the other two sets of dishes, feeling a sense of pride in her actions.

Meanwhile, Tiffany had just wrapped up a meeting with a client in the vicinity. Knowing Sydney likely hadn’t had the chance to eat yet, she decided to join them for lunch. However, as she stepped into the restaurant, her gaze fell upon a familiar face already seated at the table.

Sydney, sensing Tiffany’s arrival, leaned closer and introduced her with a broad smile. “This is my good friend, Tiffany Voss.”

“Hello, Tiffany,” Charlotte greeted warmly, her smile genuine. “I’m Charlotte Lindstrom, just an ordinary friend of Sydney’s for now.” The phrase “for now” hung in the air, laden with unspoken possibilities.

Tiffany’s grin widened, her eyes sparkling with recognition. “We’ve met before, Ms. Lindstrom.”

Charlotte blinked, a hint of confusion crossing her features. “Oh? I’m afraid I don’t recall.”

“At a Sterling Corp. bidding event two years ago,” Tiffany clarified, her tone teasing yet friendly.

Charlotte’s mind raced back to that time. She had been standing next to Julian, her heart fluttering at the memory. Tiffany, knowing Sydney and Julian were connected, had likely paid closer attention to the people surrounding him.

Yet, Charlotte couldn’t recall Tiffany at all. She chuckled softly, trying to diffuse the awkwardness. “No need to treat me like Julian’s secretary in private. I promise I’m just Charlotte here.”

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