Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Sydney finds herself in a race against time as she approaches the Sterling estate, filled with a mix of determination and anxiety. She longs for freedom from the manipulative grasp of the Sterling family, envisioning a peaceful life away from their influence, especially for Tiffany's sake.

However, she grapples with the harsh realities of social class and power dynamics that keep people divided, making her question the fairness of the world around her. Upon arriving late at the estate, Sydney encounters a tense atmosphere marked by her grandmother Eloise's unexpected warmth towards Charlotte, the future daughter-in-law. The dinner setting is lavish, emphasizing the importance of appearances in their elite world.

Sydney feels a sense of unease as she navigates the interactions, particularly when Eloise unexpectedly probes into her relationship with Julian, leaving Sydney feeling scrutinized and vulnerable. As the dinner progresses, Sydney's internal conflict intensifies. Eloise's questioning reveals a manipulative undercurrent, suggesting that she has ulterior motives regarding Sydney's relationship with Julian. Sydney recognizes the shift in their connection, realizing it has become one-sided, where her emotional investment is not reciprocated.

Despite her growing awareness of her precarious position within the family dynamics, she strives to maintain composure and control over the situation. The chapter culminates in a chilling directive from Eloise, who instructs Sydney to address Julian's impending marriage to Charlotte. This command reinforces the tension and stakes of the moment, leaving Sydney to grapple with her precarious position and the looming expectations placed upon her.

The emotional weight of the evening leaves her feeling trapped, yet she remains determined to navigate these challenges without revealing her vulnerabilities. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You** **Chapter 274** As Sydney navigated the congested streets on her way to the Sterling estate, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and calculations. The clock was ticking, and she mentally assessed how much time she truly needed to complete her project with urgency.

The moment she crossed the finish line, the Sterling family would lose their grip on her life. With Tiffany by her side, she envisioned a life far removed from their scheming-perhaps a quiet retreat overseas, away from the prying eyes of those who had caused her so much distress. The thought of never having to witness their manipulations around Tiffany again filled her with a sense of determination. Yet, a nagging question lingered in her mind: why did power and class create such cruel divisions among people, relegating them into rigid ranks and castes?

ordinary individuals had to expend every ounce of their strength just to scrape by, while others lived in luxury, untouched by the struggles of the everyday world. After what felt like an eternity inching through the evening traffic, Sydney finally arrived at the Sterling estate, over an hour later than she had anticipated. She stepped into the reception hall, her handbag clutched tightly in her hand, and immediately spotted Charlotte seated elegantly next to Eloise. *So, that's tonight's

whose expression usually bore the sharp edges of disapproval, wore an uncharacteristic gentleness on her face as she regarded Charlotte. Clearly, the presence of her future daughter-in-law brought a sense of satisfaction to Eloise that Sydney had seldom witnessed. "Grandmother," Sydney greeted, her voice steady, though her heart raced slightly. Perhaps Charlotte's presence softened Eloise's demeanor, for she managed to muster a hint of warmth. "You're here. We've been waiting for

a light smile. "Syd, stuck in traffic?" "Ms. Lindstrom, the rush hour was heavy," she replied, trying to keep her tone professional despite the tension in the air. At that moment, Eloise shot her a disapproving look. "What Ms. Lindstrom? This is your future sister-in-law," she reprimanded, her voice laced with authority. "Let's wait until I actually marry Julian before calling it that," Charlotte

at least six meticulously prepared dishes. It was less about the food and more about the image; maintaining appearances was paramount in their world. As Sydney sat there, her eyes cast downward, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. She

set her utensils down with a deliberate clink and fixed Sydney with a penetrating gaze. "What is your relationship with Julian right now?" she inquired, her tone sharp and probing. Sydney felt a prickling sensation at the back

barely above a whisper. "What do you mean by that?" "I mean, how far have you and Julian gone in repairing things? Didn't he used to treat you like a treasure? You'd cry, and he'd give in to anything. And now?" Eloise

her relationship with Julian for some purpose, though the specifics eluded her. Whatever it was, she feared it would be beyond her control. Only she understood the true nature of their bond now. It had become one-sided; she listened to him, but he seemed incapable of hearing her. She was no longer a naive child. She understood her place in this intricate web of power and expectation. Yet, she couldn't allow Eloise to see her uncertainty. As long as there was