Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 329

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 329**

**Chapter 329**

“Absolutely!” Penelope exclaimed, her voice bursting forth with an eagerness that felt almost desperate.

As she pivoted and caught sight of James standing there, his demeanor calm and assured, a wave of embarrassment washed over her. She suddenly realized how her words must have sounded, clumsy and thoughtless.

Penelope Hutton, the eldest daughter of the esteemed Hutton family, had always been a beacon of success in the political arena. Yet, just recently, she had navigated the rocky waters of divorce, a personal upheaval that left her feeling vulnerable.

Diana Hutton, her mother, was also a woman who had faced the same fate—divorce had marked her life as well.

Despite the simmering anger within her, Penelope couldn’t help but let out an awkward laugh when she noticed the faint, icy smile on Sydney’s face. It was a smile that seemed to mock her. Quickly, she turned her gaze back to James, her heart racing, and felt the need to clarify her earlier statement. “Mr. Hutton, please, don’t take it the wrong way. I certainly wasn’t implying that all divorced women are the same.”

Seizing the moment, she took a jab at Sydney. “You see, I’ve been her sister-in-law for years now. I know her character well, and it’s deeply flawed. That’s why I have genuine concerns for the Hutton family…”

James stepped forward, his presence imposing as he positioned himself closer to Sydney, signaling his unwavering support. “There’s no need for that, Penelope. I trust my own judgment. Throughout my interactions with Dr. Wilson, I’ve found her to possess both remarkable integrity and outstanding medical skill.”

He paused, his gaze momentarily flickering towards Penelope, a hint of disapproval in his eyes. “Furthermore, the happiness of someone’s marriage or their divorce status has never been a criterion for worth in the Hutton family.”

His voice was steady, but Penelope felt the weight of his words. “Ms. Monroe, perhaps it would be wise for you to refrain from involving yourself in matters that do not concern you.”

Although his tone remained calm, Penelope felt her face flush with a mix of embarrassment and anger. First, it turned a sickly shade of green, then drained to a ghostly pallor.

Internally, she seethed, ‘So Sydney’s character and abilities are deemed “exceptional,” while mine are not? How dare he label me meddlesome?!’

The whispers around town suggested that James was the epitome of cultured sophistication, never one to lash out with harsh words.

‘It must be that wretched Sydney. She must have twisted the narrative during Florence’s treatment, poisoning the Hutton family against me,’ Penelope thought bitterly.

Meanwhile, Sydney had no intention of engaging in a battle of words with Penelope. She was eager to reach the research institute after this meeting, and even the thought of exchanging another word with Penelope made her stomach churn.

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