Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Caleb experiences a moment of clarity as he grapples with his feelings for Sydney. He realizes that while he wants to protect her, he cannot push her too far, as she is emotionally fragile. The thought of leaving her alone in a vulnerable state troubles him, especially with someone like Marcus potentially lurking around. This internal conflict deepens his sense of responsibility towards her.

Sydney's reaction to Caleb's decision to move into the apartment below her is immediate and intense. She feels trapped and cornered, despite trying to maintain a calm exterior. Her response, though steady, carries an undercurrent of discomfort that Caleb senses. This moment reminds him of their shared past and the years he spent away from her, filled with regret and longing. He feels a strong urge to protect her, to bring her back to a place where he can ensure her safety. As they ride the elevator together, the tension between them is palpable.

Caleb reflects on his resentment towards Penelope for the pain she has caused Sydney, which only intensifies his protective instincts. When they reach their floors, Caleb tries to reassure Sydney about her parents' case, knowing that his words may not hold much weight given her history with Julian. He is aware that he must tread carefully, as revealing too much too soon could jeopardize their safety. Sydney, on the other hand, is left feeling conflicted as she encounters Julian waiting for her by her door. His casual demeanor contrasts sharply with the emotional turmoil she feels.

Their shared history looms over them, filled with nostalgia and unresolved tensions. As she faces Julian, the weight of their past and the current situation adds to her anxiety, leaving her to navigate complex emotions about trust, safety, and the shadows of their intertwined lives. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 270** **Chapter 270** As the tension in Caleb finally began to dissipate, a sense of clarity washed over him.

He understood that he couldn't push Sydney too far; she was fragile in her own way, and he didn't want to break her. Yet, the thought of leaving her here, alone and vulnerable, gnawed at his insides. It felt wrong, almost like abandoning her to the wolves-especially someone like Marcus, who had just dropped her off and could easily take advantage of her solitude. The moment Sydney caught wind of his intention to move into the apartment directly below hers, her entire demeanor shifted. A wave of discomfort rolled through her, and it was palpable.

She felt trapped, cornered by circumstances beyond her control. After all, buying the entire building was hardly a feasible option for her. She maintained a calm façade, her voice steady as she replied, "That's your business. You don't need to tell me." In essence, she was signaling, "Do what you must. It's of no concern to me." Yet, the chill in her eyes and the flatness of her tone struck him with a force he hadn't anticipated.

overwhelming urge to take her back to Viridian Garden, where he could keep her in sight, ensuring she wouldn't slip away from him again. But Julian's looming presence was a firm reminder that he had to exercise restraint-for now. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't last long. If he uncovered any evidence linking her parents' tragic deaths to the Sterling

by the storm brewing in his eyes, stepped inside first and pressed the button for her floor. Caleb followed her without a moment's hesitation. Twenty-two for her, and twenty-one for him. The seconds ticked by agonizingly slow, each one stretching into an eternity. He observed

his return. But he had never come back. Not once in all that time. That memory only deepened his resentment toward Penelope. Even that fateful night in the industrial district, she had attempted to ensnare

there's any progress. I don't want you to seek out Julian. Yes, it's partly selfish, but it's also for

acutely aware that, given her history with Julian, she wouldn't take his word at face value without tangible proof. Worse still, if he spoke too soon, he risked alerting their adversaries. With that thought weighing heavily on his mind, he stepped out of the elevator. Just before the doors slid shut, he glanced back at her.

comes up, don't hesitate to call me." He had never been able to offer that kind of reassurance before, and he knew that to her, those words might as well have been empty promises. As Sydney turned her gaze to the floor display, watching the numbers flicker and change, she let out a quiet breath, trying

of his lips. "Things didn't go well?" he asked, clearly referring to the corrupted lab data. Sydney shot him a sideways glance as she approached her door. "Shouldn't you already know?" Sterling