Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 298

**Chapter 298**

Sydney found herself ensnared in a moment so profound that she lost track of her own breath. It was as if the air had thickened, pressing against her lungs, forcing her to bend slightly at the waist, clutching her chest as a wave of tightness surged within. She was acutely aware of an ache that resonated through her being, but she couldn’t pinpoint where it originated.

For years, she had placed the blame squarely on Julian’s shoulders. Yet, upon hearing the news of his injuries, her body reacted instinctively, a visceral response that transcended her thoughts. The knowledge that he was hurt sent a piercing pain through her, a reminder of the emotional scars that nine long years had etched into her heart—deep and unyielding, they reached into the recesses of her soul she had never acknowledged.

With every ounce of strength she could muster, Sydney fought to maintain her composure. This was neither the time nor the place for tears to spill over; to break down now would cast a shadow over the meal they were sharing. But, in a fleeting moment, the dam broke, and tears cascaded down her cheeks, splattering onto the floor beneath her.

Tiffany, although well-versed in the tales of family feuds and their brutal consequences, was taken aback by the raw intensity of violence that had been unleashed—blades and bullets, the stark reality of it all. It was only then that she truly registered the peculiar state Sydney was in.

Charlotte, ever the silent observer, reached out and quietly offered a tissue, her gesture a soft plea for Tiffany to pass it to Sydney.

With a gentle tone, Tiffany addressed her, “Syd?”

“Sorry,” Sydney whispered, her voice barely above a murmur as she accepted the tissue.

Without meeting their eyes, she dabbed at the tears that clung stubbornly to her lashes. When she finally lifted her gaze, she forced a small, tremulous smile. “I just… thought of my parents.”

Tiffany’s understanding came swiftly, and she added softly, “Syd’s parents also died in a car accident.”

Charlotte, feigning ignorance, chose to divert the conversation. Just then, the waiter arrived with their food, and she seized the moment, saying, “Let’s eat. The salted chicken here is really something special.”

…

After the meal, the atmosphere shifted. Tiffany made her way back to her law firm, while Sydney and Charlotte headed toward Sterling Corp—each on their own path, one to the R&D department and the other to the CEO’s office.

Once inside the lab, the chaotic whirl of her thoughts began to settle. Sydney found solace in the familiar environment, allowing herself to become absorbed in the work that lay before her. She was clear-headed, knowing exactly what tasks awaited her.

But as night fell and the hours dragged on, her concentration began to wane. Charlotte’s earlier words echoed in her mind, a relentless loop that refused to fade. She dared not envision the moment the bullet had pierced Julian’s skin, nor could she fathom the agony he must have endured. Yet, the image of him—so meticulous, so poised—lying vulnerable and helpless in a hospital bed haunted her thoughts, causing her chest to tighten once more.

Marcus had taken Billy out for dinner, leaving Sydney and Shane as the last two souls in the lab.

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