Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 486

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 486**

**Chapter 486**

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The metallic lid of the lighter snapped open and shut with a rhythmic clink, a quiet sound that cut through the stillness of the night. Each flick of the thumb summoned a delicate blue flame that flickered to life for a brief moment before extinguishing itself, barely illuminating the shadows cast by the moon’s pale glow.

As dawn broke on the horizon, Julian arrived at Sydney’s doorstep with almost clockwork precision.

The doorbell chimed, pulling Tiffany from her morning routine. She opened the door, her hair still half-tied in a messy bun.

“Looking for Sydney?” she inquired, her brow slightly raised as she took in the sight of him.

“She just left,” Tiffany informed him, noting the disappointment etched on his face. “She had a home visit scheduled and took off about five minutes ago.”

Julian’s expression shifted, his brows furrowing in concern. “With Madam Hutton?”

“Nope,” Tiffany replied, shaking her head with a hint of uncertainty. “I think it was someone connected to the Shepard family. I didn’t pry for details.”

Sydney had indeed departed just moments earlier. Marcus had been waiting for her in the parking lot, his presence a comforting constant in her life.

As she slid into the car, he reached over to grab a bag from the passenger seat and handed it to her once she secured her seatbelt.

“Breakfast,” he stated simply, a hint of warmth in his voice.

“Thanks, Marc,” she replied, her smile genuine as she accepted the bread and milk without hesitation. She tore open the wrapper and began to nibble on the food, savoring the simple pleasure it brought.

She had left too early for Elliot to deliver the usual breakfast spread. After the tension of the previous night with Julian, she felt it was high time to find a new housekeeper—someone dependable, someone unconnected to the chaos of her past life.

Finally, her schedule had opened up just enough for her to begin her search.

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