Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 629

Chapter 629

Sydney turned around and saw Alan. She rubbed her nose in awkward reflex and wished she could crawl into a crack in the ground.

By contrast, Julian remained as thick skinned as ever. He lifted a brow. “The way you put it, Alan, you make it sound like I’m some kind of bad influence.”

Alan did not bother to reply. His expression clearly said, “Aren’t you?”

Sydney swallowed her embarrassment and, with Julian’s support, stood up. “Why did you come over today? How’s Eliana doing?”

She had planned to go to the hospital after breakfast to see Eliana, but Alan had shut that down without discussion. He insisted that she rest properly, and he did so with such firmness that it felt as if he would disown her on the spot if she dared show up.

“She’s basically fine,” Alan said. “She’s just worried about you. She kept pushing me to come check on you.”

He walked over to another wicker chair and sat down, then reached out his hand. “Let me see.”

Sydney knew exactly what he meant. She hesitated, then offered her wrist. “It’s really nothing serious. I just need to rest for a while and…”

Alan’s fingers were already on her pulse. His expression darkened. He looked up at her guilty face and, for a moment, found no words.

She had worn herself down worrying over Eliana’s poisoning.

People often said that he and Eliana spoiled Sydney too much, treating her almost like their own daughter. Over the years, their only son had remained abroad. The one who stayed close, handled matters personally, and never stepped away had always been Sydney.

Alan steadied himself, finished checking her pulse, and slowly withdrew his hand. “You’ve been taking medication. What exactly?”

“Iron supplements, prenatal vitamins with folic acid, and progesterone support,” Sydney said. Her lips pressed together as she watched his expression.

She feared Eloise, but Alan frightened her more. One inspired fear. The other commanded respect.

After a brief pause, Alan said, “Magnesium at night as well.”

“Okay.” Sydney agreed at once. Any hesitation felt like an invitation for a scolding.

In the past, Alan had lectured her more than once for neglecting her own health. This time, however, he did not say a single harsh word.

After adjusting the medication plan, he sat with Julian, drank coffee, and talked about projects. The atmosphere felt calm, yet something was off.

Sydney could not quite identify the reason. Alan had not scolded her, but he barely spoke to her afterward. Before she could think it through, lively voices rose from the front hall.

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Polly hurried over with a smile. “Sydney, the Hutton family is here. They said they came to see you.”

‘Right. Diana had mentioned yesterday that she would visit today.‘ Sydney had almost forgotten.

She braced herself against the table as she stood. Just as she prepared to speak to Alan, he set down his cup and rose as well. “All right. Go greet your guests. It’s time for me to head back and keep Eliana company.”

Under normal circumstances, Sydney would have gone straight to the front. Today, she hesitated. “Alan…”

“I’ll see him out,” Julian said, patting her shoulder. “You take care of Diana. Move slowly. Let the staff handle anything you need.”

Sydney nodded, then looked at Alan. “When I’m feeling better, I’ll go visit Eliana at home.”

“We’re family. There’s plenty of time,” Alan said evenly. “I’ll take care of Eliana. Your priority right now is yourself.”

He gave her a brief wave. “Go on.”

Only then did Sydney feel some of the tension ease. She turned toward the front hall.

The moment she stepped inside, she froze. Agatha froze as well.

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