Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 356

**Chapter 356**

Charlotte stood frozen in place, her mind racing. ‘So businesslike?’ she thought, feeling a chill run down her spine at the tension in the air.

Julian’s expression darkened, his features hardening into a mask of displeasure. “Otherwise, should I be the one to call her?” he retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Charlotte understood the underlying implications of his words. ‘Right… they must have argued,’ she mused, recognizing the emotional storm brewing beneath Julian’s cool exterior. With a measured breath, she stepped outside and dialed Sydney’s number, her heart pounding as she requested her to come upstairs.

Just before Sydney hung up, Charlotte leaned into the phone, her voice dropping to a whisper, “Be careful. He’s in a bad mood.”

“Okay,” Sydney replied, her voice steady yet laced with concern. She gathered the feedback data, her mind focused on the task at hand, and ascended the stairs, the weight of the situation pressing down on her shoulders.

Standing before the imposing door of the CEO’s office, she inhaled deeply, steadying herself before knocking softly.

“Come in,” a voice called from within, low and icy, sending a shiver through her.

Sydney lowered her gaze, pushing the door open with a sense of trepidation. She walked briskly to his desk, placing the folder beside him with a calm demeanor that belied the turmoil within. “This is the latest feedback from the trial drug. The results are better than projected. If they remain stable for a while, we can start preparing for market approval,” she stated, her tone cool and professional.

Her makeup was understated, accentuating her features without overwhelming them. She wore a pale silk blouse that contrasted sharply with a black skirt, which fell gracefully to mid-calf—a perfect reflection of her professional image.

Yet, beneath that composed exterior, her small face betrayed nothing. She avoided looking directly at him, her body language suggesting a severance of ties that felt almost palpable.

The sight of her infuriated Julian. His voice turned mocking, laced with a sharp edge. “Do you speak to Caleb with the same stiff formality?”

Sydney’s brows knitted together in confusion. Instinctively, she looked up and froze, her heart racing.

He was far more capable than Caleb, she thought, her mind racing back to the previous night. That fight shouldn’t have left him injured. Yet, a deep bruise marred his otherwise flawless face, a stark reminder of the confrontation.

Sydney had initially intended to ignore it, to focus solely on the task at hand, but in the end, she couldn’t suppress her concern. “Caleb hit you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, disbelief coloring her tone.

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