Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Sydney experiences a profound emotional moment as she grapples with the news of Julian's injuries. The weight of her feelings overwhelms her, causing physical discomfort as memories of their tumultuous past flood back.

For years, she had blamed Julian for their estrangement, but the realization of his pain ignites a deep-seated ache within her, reminding her of the emotional scars left by their shared history and the loss of her parents. Despite her efforts to maintain composure during a meal with friends Tiffany and Charlotte, Sydney's emotions spill over, and she finds herself in tears. The gravity of the situation, coupled with the memories of her own family's tragedy, becomes too much to bear.

Tiffany and Charlotte, recognizing her distress, offer support, but Sydney struggles to articulate her feelings, instead focusing on the shared grief of losing loved ones. After the meal, Sydney returns to her work at Sterling Corp, where she initially finds solace in the familiar routine. However, as the night progresses, her thoughts drift back to Julian, and she becomes consumed by worry and guilt over his condition. The image of him vulnerable in a hospital bed haunts her, intensifying her emotional turmoil and making it difficult for her to concentrate on her tasks.

As the workday ends, Sydney encounters Julian unexpectedly in the elevator. His presence stirs a mix of emotions within her, and their interaction is charged with unspoken tension. Julian's teasing remark about her feelings for him catches her off guard, leading to a spontaneous request to ride home in his car. This moment signifies a shift in their dynamic, as both characters grapple with their unresolved feelings amidst the backdrop of their complicated history.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 298** Sydney found herself ensnared in a moment so profound that she lost track of her own breath. It was as if the air had thickened, pressing against her lungs, forcing her to bend slightly at the waist, clutching her chest as a wave of tightness surged within. She was acutely aware of an ache that resonated through her being, but she couldn't pinpoint where it originated. For years, she had placed the blame squarely on Julian's shoulders.

Yet, upon hearing the news of his injuries, her body reacted instinctively, a visceral response that transcended her thoughts. The knowledge that he was hurt sent a piercing pain through her, a reminder of the emotional scars that nine long years had etched into her heart-deep and unyielding, they reached into the recesses of her soul she had never acknowledged. With every ounce of strength she could muster, Sydney fought to maintain her composure. This was neither the time nor the place for tears to spill over; to break down now would cast a shadow over the meal they were sharing.

unleashed-blades and bullets, the stark reality of it all. It was only then

her, "Syd?" "Sorry," Sydney whispered, her voice barely above a murmur as she accepted the tissue. Without meeting their eyes, she dabbed at the tears that clung stubbornly to her lashes. When she finally lifted her gaze, she forced a small, tremulous smile. "I just... thought of my parents." Tiffany's understanding came swiftly, and she added softly, "Syd's parents also died in a car accident." Charlotte, feigning ignorance, chose to divert the conversation. Just then,

Corp-each on their own path, one to the R&D department and the other to the CEO's office. Once inside the lab, the chaotic whirl of her thoughts began to settle. Sydney found solace in the familiar environment, allowing herself to become absorbed in the work that lay before her. She was clear-headed, knowing exactly what tasks awaited

the bullet had pierced Julian's skin, nor could she fathom the agony he must have endured. Yet, the image of him-so meticulous, so poised-lying vulnerable and helpless in a hospital bed

Shane began to pack up his things, he cast a concerned glance in her direction. "Ms. Wilson, are you okay?" "I'm fine," she replied, shaking off her thoughts and offering a fleeting smile. "We're almost done for today. You can head out." She was merely waiting for one final set of data before she could leave, but the anticipation weighed heavily on her. Shane hesitated, his eyes betraying his concern.

"Okay then," he conceded, lingering for a moment longer. "So, I'll go first?" "Go ahead." After he left, Sydney found herself enveloped in solitude, the lab's silence amplifying her thoughts. When the data finally arrived, the night sky outside had turned an inky black. She packed her belongings and stepped out into the hallway. The R&D floor buzzed with

no one moved to step inside. She looked up and understood the reason for