Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 403

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 403**

**Chapter 403**

As Sydney took a moment to gather her thoughts, a sense of calm washed over her. She turned to Tiffany, her expression resolute as she shook her head. “This has nothing to do with the rest of the Sterling family,” she stated firmly, her voice steady.

Two decades prior, Eloise had wielded an iron grip over the Sterling dynasty. At that time, no one could have dared to challenge her authority—least of all Julian, who had been just a child of ten, utterly powerless in the face of his mother’s tyranny.

Julian had been her lifeline during those harrowing years when Eloise unleashed her torment upon Sydney. He had been the one to rescue her from the abyss of suffering, offering her a glimmer of hope when she felt utterly lost. Without his intervention, she often pondered, would she have found the strength to endure?

Seeing that Sydney had managed to resist falling into the traps set before her, Tiffany let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “That guy is clearly trying to create a rift between you and Julian,” she remarked, her brow furrowing with concern. “He must want something from you.”

Tiffany paused, her mind racing. “Could it be related to the project? If you started harboring resentment towards Julian, then you might just pull away from Sterling Corp., right? That would leave the door wide open for DK to swoop in and become your next partner.”

Sydney hesitated for a brief moment, her intuition guiding her thoughts. “No. That’s not it,” she replied with a certainty that surprised even herself.

Whoever this man was, he had orchestrated his plans with an unsettling level of precision. It was clear to her that his motives extended far beyond mere business interests.

Just as the weight of her thoughts settled, her phone chimed from the center console of the car, breaking the tension in the air.

With a quick motion, she grabbed the device and saw a message from the bank. Her project payment and performance bonus from Sterling Corp. had just been deposited.

Tiffany, ever the observant friend, noticed the change in Sydney’s demeanor. “What’s that?” she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“The project bonus just came in,” Sydney replied, a hint of disbelief coloring her tone.

As they halted at a red light, Tiffany braked sharply and leaned over to get a better look at the screen. A moment later, her eyes widened in shock. “One, ten, hundred, thousand… hundred thousand, million? Oh my god!”

She nearly gasped, struggling to catch her breath.

After a brief pause, Tiffany collected herself and muttered, “Well, I suppose it makes sense. Sterling Corp.’s stock has soared several times since the conference wrapped up.”

Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling of awe at Julian’s generosity.

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