Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 384

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 384**

**Chapter 384**

Caleb found himself grappling with a familiar tug at his heart. Adeline was still, undeniably, his mother. Even though their relationship had become strained, he felt a pull to return home during his lunch break, hoping to check in on her well-being.

The grand dining room of the Hampton estate was filled with an air of quiet formality, the kind that often cloaked family gatherings. Dorothy presided over the table like a queen, her presence both commanding and protective. Flanking her were Adeline and Penelope, each adorned in their own subtle elegance. At first glance, one might have mistaken this assembly for a picture of familial tranquility.

However, the moment Caleb stepped through the doorway, the fragile peace shattered like glass.

Adeline’s expression darkened, her features tightening into a mask of displeasure. “Didn’t you declare you wanted nothing to do with me? What brings you back here now?” Her voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a knife.

“Enough of this nonsense.” Dorothy’s voice rang out, filled with an authority that rarely surfaced. She slammed her palm against the table, the sound echoing ominously. “Even if he wishes to sever ties with you, this is still Cal’s home. He carries the true blood of the Hamptons within him.”

Both Adeline and Penelope flinched at the force of Dorothy’s words. Adeline hadn’t intended to provoke a quarrel; her frustration stemmed from the fact that Caleb seemed to protect an outsider rather than his own mother. Yet Dorothy’s harsh proclamation felt like a dagger to her heart, stripping away any remnants of dignity she had left. It was as if Dorothy had implied that should Caleb choose to cut ties, it would be Adeline who would be cast out.

“Grandma, please, don’t get upset. Your blood pressure—” Caleb interjected softly, taking a seat at the table, his demeanor calm yet concerned.

The maids rushed in, bustling about to set his utensils, their movements efficient and practiced.

“It’s my fault for upsetting my mother,” he continued, his tone soothing. “She’s just venting. Once she’s had her say, she’ll be fine.”

Adeline’s expression softened slightly at his words, the maternal instinct within her flickering back to life. “At least you recognize your mistake. All of this for a woman—”

“Enough!” Dorothy interrupted, her voice firm and unyielding. “Accept the grace I’m extending to you and cease this bickering. Caleb has finally returned home for a meal, and you still wish to ignite a conflict?”

She directed her piercing gaze at Adeline, the weight of her authority palpable. “Regarding Cal and Syd’s divorce, you should have remained uninvolved back then. Now, you must also refrain from meddling in his affairs.”

“Mother,” Adeline protested, her voice tinged with rising frustration. “You don’t understand! He’s willing to jeopardize the entire Hampton legacy for that wretched girl—”

Before Caleb could interject, Dorothy’s voice sliced through the air once more. “Since the family’s matters rest in his capable hands, neither you nor I should interfere. I trust his judgment. He is no fool.”

Adeline clenched her jaw, her silence a boiling pot of indignation.

Just then, Penelope suddenly clutched her mouth, her face contorting in distress as she dashed toward the bathroom.

Dorothy’s brow furrowed in concern. “She isn’t—”

“Impossible,” Adeline interjected quickly, her voice laced with disbelief. “Even if she had ten lives, she wouldn’t dare carry a child out of wedlock. She probably just ate something that didn’t agree with her.”

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