Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 435

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 435**

**Chapter 435**

Sydney felt a familiar weight pressing down on her chest, a question swirling in her mind that she had posed to Raymond just the day before. She had intended to hold off until they returned to Jouleston, allowing the right moment to unfold naturally. Yet, as Julian’s dark, inscrutable eyes bore into her, the words tumbled out of her mouth before she could catch them.

Julian’s eyebrows arched slightly, a flicker of seriousness transforming his usually playful demeanor. “Go ahead,” he encouraged, his voice steady yet curious.

“If…” The word hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears, and her courage began to waver. She paused, feeling the lump in her throat grow larger, choking back the rest of her thoughts.

A nagging fear gnawed at her insides—that he might turn her question back on her, challenging her with, “Sydney, what makes you think I’d sacrifice my family for you?” The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

But then, memories of the close-knit Hutton family flooded her mind. She recalled how, even someone as blunt and straightforward as Raymond had chosen Tiffany without a moment’s hesitation. Florence’s gentle reminder echoed in her thoughts: love and family need not be adversaries. With that realization, Sydney knew she couldn’t remain silent any longer. If she didn’t voice her concerns now, she might never find the peace she so desperately sought.

Steeling herself, she lifted her gaze to meet Julian’s. His eyes were steady, deep pools of emotion that seemed to hold a universe of secrets. After a brief internal struggle, she finally found her voice, though it trembled slightly. “Julian, these past few days I’ve been—”

Before she could finish her thought, Peter rushed up the stairs, his face taut with urgency. “Mr. Sterling, Ms. Wilson, things online are getting worse.”

A frown creased Sydney’s brow. “Worse?”

Julian’s voice remained calm, but there was an undercurrent of tension. “How bad is it?”

“Several more families have come forward,” Peter explained, his words tumbling out in a rush. “They’re claiming their relatives took our company’s medicine and suffered severe side effects. Different symptoms, but all serious.”

Sydney felt her heart plummet. She quickly pulled out her phone, and her worst fears were confirmed. The top trending page was a chaotic mess of new posts. Three hashtags had already gained traction, and the tone of the conversation had shifted dramatically.

What had once been a mix of criticism aimed at her and Sterling Corp. had now morphed into a targeted attack, with the public’s ire squarely directed at her.

With a swift motion, Julian reached over and turned off her screen, his expression resolute. “I need to return to Jouleston immediately. Are you coming with me?”

The atmosphere at the company was volatile, and if he didn’t act quickly, someone within might seize the chaos to make a move. Julian felt a knot of anxiety twist in his stomach at the thought of Sydney traveling alone in such a precarious situation.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Sydney replied, “Yes. I’ll go with you.”

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