Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Sydney engages in a deep conversation with Henry, reflecting on the complexities of their research project and the challenges posed by Penelope. Sydney expresses her concerns about the motivations behind recent events, suspecting Penelope's involvement but struggling to reconcile it with her potential gain from their work.

Henry dismisses the idea of anyone orchestrating the events, revealing that the disdain from two men stemmed from jealousy over Sydney's youth and success. As the conversation progresses, Henry shares news that Mr. Sterling has decided to cut Penelope out of their research collaboration, which brings Sydney a sense of relief. This decision signifies a shift in the power dynamics of their project, indicating that Julian, despite his usual aloofness, is genuinely invested in their work.

Sydney's thoughts begin to race with possibilities, contemplating how she could expedite the drug's development and leverage it to renegotiate her contract, envisioning substantial profits for Sterling Corp. The chapter takes a turn as Sydney receives a phone call from her grandmother, Eloise, who insists she return home for dinner. Sydney feels the weight of obligation but is determined to prioritize her work. The authoritative tone of Eloise leaves little room for negotiation, and Sydney stands firm in her decision to focus on her research.

This confrontation highlights Sydney's struggle between familial duty and her ambitions, setting the stage for further conflict as she navigates her personal and professional life. Ultimately, the chapter encapsulates a blend of emotions-relief, determination, and the tension between personal aspirations and familial expectations-as Sydney grapples with the implications of her choices and the evolving dynamics around her. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 273** A gentle smile graced Sydney's lips, a flicker of warmth in her eyes.

"It's fine," she reassured him, her voice steady. "You can't truly see into the depths of people's hearts. Until something significant occurs, no one can ever be entirely certain." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle in the air around them, before she ventured further, "Did they ever reveal who orchestrated this?" Deep down, a nagging suspicion tugged at her thoughts, pointing towards Penelope. Yet, the logic behind it felt shaky. After all, Penelope had been poised to gain from their efforts; why would she willingly undermine the very data she hoped to profit from?

A shadow of shame crept into his voice, thickening the air with unspoken truths. "Those two men... they simply resented you for your youth. At first, Wallace had no intention of siding with Hugh. But when he realized that showering you with compliments

furrow of Sydney's brow, Henry attempted to lighten the mood. With a smile that seemed to brighten the dim room, he added, "But look on the bright side! There's one less worry for us. Penelope won't be able to interfere

joint research, not at all. He stated plainly that our team is capable enough to handle this on our own." Sydney felt a wave of relief wash over her; this was news Henry had clearly welcomed. Penelope, with her cunning schemes and insatiable thirst for recognition, had always been a thorn in their side. She had never contributed anything of substance, merely waiting for the chance to bask in the glow of others' hard

take such a decisive stance. She opened her mouth to respond, but Henry leaned in closer, lowering his voice

Julian often appeared aloof from the family dynamics, he had always shown Natalie a degree of respect. This shift in power dynamics indicated that Julian was genuinely invested in the project. Her thoughts began to swirl with possibilities. If she could expedite the development of the drug, perhaps she could leverage it to compel him to tear up that absurd contract. The potential profits this drug could generate for Sterling Corp. would far surpass six billion dollars-enough to cover the penalty

this scenario, the more feasible it seemed, and her resolve ignited like a flame within her. Later that evening, just as she was gearing up to work into the late hours, her phone rang. It was Eloise. Sydney placed her pen down, feeling the weight of the moment, and walked over to the window, pulling back the heavy blackout curtain. "Grandmother," she acknowledged, her voice laced with a mixture of duty and reluctance. "There are guests this evening. Come