Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 498

498 /588

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 498**

**Chapter 498**

For a fleeting moment, Sydney found herself grappling with the astonishing realization that the elderly woman seated before her was none other than Julian’s grandmother. The weight of the revelation hung in the air, making her heart race as she tried to process the implications.

Yet, she managed to compose herself and replied, “No, I don’t mind at all.” Her voice was steady, but inside, a storm of thoughts churned.

Agatha let out a sigh of relief that seemed to release the tension in the room. Her sharp eyes then shifted to her grandson, a glint of mischief dancing within them. “How long do you plan on holding Sydney’s hand, hm? Let the girl eat properly!” Her tone was playful, but there was an underlying seriousness that made it clear she meant what she said.

Julian chuckled softly, his laughter infectious. “Alright, alright,” he conceded, finally releasing Sydney’s hand as if it were a precious artifact he had been reluctant to part with. “Eat up. Grandma’s cooking is really good. Everything here is your favorite.” He gestured toward the spread laid out before them, a colorful array of dishes that seemed to beckon her.

In that moment, a light bulb flickered in Sydney’s mind. ‘No wonder some of the meals I’ve had at his place tasted so familiar, so comforting. They were Agatha’s creations. Even that morning with the muffins, when he insisted he had baked them himself—how could I have been so oblivious?’

Julian caught her silent glare, a grin spreading across his face as he found amusement in her realization. “What? Go on, what do you want to scold me for?” he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. But with Agatha sitting right across from her, Sydney felt the weight of her grandmotherly presence and dared not utter a word.

To her surprise, Agatha came to her rescue. “Sydney, if you want to scold him, go ahead. In this house, the granddaughter-in-law outranks the grandson.” The words were delivered with such blunt honesty that Sydney felt her cheeks flush crimson, and she instinctively ducked her head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.

Julian erupted into laughter, his joy infectious. “You heard her. So? What do you want to say?” His challenge hung in the air, playful yet inviting.

“Nothing to scold you for,” Sydney replied, her voice gaining a hint of confidence thanks to Agatha’s unexpected support. She shot him a sidelong glance, her curiosity piqued. “Did you already know that we knew each other?”

He didn’t even attempt to feign ignorance. “Mm,” was his simple, yet revealing response.

‘A cunning fox, indeed,’ she mused internally, a smirk creeping onto her lips.

“When did you find out?” she pressed, intrigued.

“Before my business trip to Malbrosia,” Julian admitted with an ease that suggested he was accustomed to sharing truths. “The night before I left, you baked Grandma’s muffins for me. Remember?”

Sydney’s memory flickered to that evening—she had not only baked the muffins but had also shared stories about Agatha while they savored the warm treats.

‘So he has known everything from the start, while we had been completely in the dark,’ she thought, her pout deepening as she realized the extent of his knowledge.

This time, Sydney chose silence, but Agatha was not so easily deterred. “You rascal! If you already knew, why didn’t you tell me?” she chided, her voice a mix of affection and frustration.