Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 474

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 474**
**Chapter 474**

As soon as the words escaped Florence’s lips, an acute wave of guilt washed over her. It struck her like a thunderclap, reverberating in her chest. After all, Penelope was her flesh and blood, her own daughter. The path Penelope had chosen was not solely a reflection of Florence’s shortcomings. It was only natural that a child who had spent years adrift, devoid of family and direction, would struggle to find her way.

Yet, despite this understanding, Florence felt an undeniable urge to protect Sydney surge within her, overwhelming her rational thoughts. The thought of anyone—especially her daughter—inflicting pain on Sydney was unbearable.

Both Sydney and Penelope stood frozen, caught off guard by the unexpected confrontation.

Sydney had anticipated tension, perhaps a lingering silence filled with divided loyalties or an undercurrent of guilt, but not this bold declaration from her mother. Florence had publicly chosen her side, and it felt like a shield against the world.

On the other hand, Penelope was struck with disbelief. It was as if the entire Hutton family had been enchanted by Sydney’s presence, and here she was—the long-lost daughter—feeling cast aside.

Her jaw clenched tightly, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she attempted to craft a sorrowful expression.

“Mom, you’re right,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. “I was foolish to think that kneeling would solve anything. It’s just… for all these years, whenever someone bullied me or looked down on me, I would kneel, and they would let me go.”

Her words dripped with a deliberate sadness, a manipulative plea steeped in years of grievance. To any mother, such confessions would pierce the heart, and Florence was no exception. She had carried the weight of guilt for years, mourning the loss of her youngest daughter. If only she had held on tighter, if only she had been more vigilant, perhaps none of this turmoil would have unfolded.

Gazing at the woman before her, who bore little resemblance to the innocent child she once knew, Florence could only let out a heavy sigh.

“You’ve endured so much,” she said softly, her voice laced with empathy. “We will find a way to make it right, in due time. But what transpired between you and Sydney isn’t comparable to the bullying you faced before.”

Deep down, Florence recognized the truth: Penelope had been the one dishing out cruelty to Sydney, and it had always been a one-sided affair.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify