Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 268

**Chapter 268**

Sydney raised an eyebrow, a gesture that spoke volumes, as she pivoted to face Henry. “Mr. Linus, do you happen to have the security chief’s contact number?”

“Juan Lopez?” Henry repeated, his mind racing as he tried to comprehend her sudden inquiry.

She offered a slight nod, her expression resolute. “Yes, exactly that.”

“What do you need his number for?” Henry inquired, a hint of wariness creeping into his voice. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Sydney had orchestrated this situation from the very beginning, her intentions cloaked in mystery.

Hugh, ever the skeptic, interjected with a sneer, “Yeah, what’s the purpose? Don’t tell me you’re trying to dodge responsibility and summon the security team to stir the pot.”

At her age, one might expect impulsiveness, yet Sydney’s demeanor remained icy and composed. She tapped the glass panel in front of her, her finger tracing the outline of the ceiling fixture within the lab. “Do you understand why this lab is equipped with two smoke detectors?”

“What’s peculiar about that?” Wallace scoffed, dismissing her question with a wave of his hand. “This is R&D’s most crucial lab. Much of our core data originates from here. Naturally, there’s added fire protection.”

It was a detail none of them had ever thought to scrutinize before, their ignorance now glaringly apparent.

“No,” Sydney replied, a faint smile gracing her lips, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s not for fire safety. It’s for people safety.”

Hugh’s frown deepened, confusion etching lines on his forehead. “What on earth does that mean?”

“The left one is indeed a smoke detector,” she explained, her tone steady and unwavering. “However, the right one conceals a camera on a distinct line. It remains operational even during power outages.”

With that revelation hanging in the air, she turned her attention back to Henry. “Mr. Linus, if you would be so kind, please send me Mr. Lopez’s number. I’ll take it upon myself to request the footage.”

Henry and Marcus were acutely aware of the countless nights Sydney had dedicated to this project, her tireless efforts now reduced to shambles because of her own team’s treachery.

Sydney nodded in acknowledgment, her heart heavy with disappointment. Henry rubbed the bridge of his nose, an awkward gesture that hinted at his own discomfort. “As for the data, I’m afraid I’ll need to trouble you to redo it.”

“It’s fine,” she replied, her voice steady as she shot the two men one last cool glance before retreating with the corrupted report back into the lab.

Henry was fair-minded enough; she wouldn’t have to cross paths with those two again. Regrettably, the data was lost, and the experiment would have to commence anew from square one.

The night prior had been a sleepless one for Sydney, and by the time dusk rolled around, fatigue began to seep into her bones. Pushing herself any further would only result in wasted effort, a realization that weighed heavily on her.

With a sigh, Sydney meticulously stacked her notes, ensuring everything was in order before she exited the lab alongside Marcus.