Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

the tension between Sydney and Caleb is palpable as Caleb expresses frustration over Sydney's reluctance to accept a cake he brought. Sydney, feeling the weight of their strained friendship, ultimately gives in, revealing a hint of vulnerability as she acknowledges Caleb's gesture and even extends her thanks on behalf of Tiffany.

This moment highlights the complexities of their relationship, as Sydney grapples with the idea of being "ordinary friends" with Caleb, a term that leaves her feeling conflicted. Tiffany's playful teasing brings a lighter tone to the scene, as she contrasts Caleb's emotional intelligence with Julian's more rigid demeanor. The arrival of the cakes stirs up memories for Sydney, particularly of her past moments with Julian, which adds a layer of nostalgia and longing to her character.

As she navigates her pregnancy and the pressures of her work, Sydney's internal struggle becomes evident, especially as she reflects on her connection to Julian through the shared enjoyment of strawberry cake. As the chapter progresses, Sydney's focus shifts to her professional responsibilities, where the looming drug launch adds to her stress. The threats from Adeline linger in her mind, creating a sense of urgency and anxiety as she immerses herself in the clinical trials.

The arrival of Shane, who offers to stay with her, introduces a subtle tension, as Sydney is unaware of his prior manipulation of the data. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and mistrust, highlighting the stakes involved in their project. The conversation between Sydney and Shane reveals the dire state of the trial data, with Sydney expressing her dismay over the low efficacy results. Shane's feigned concern contrasts sharply with his underlying excitement about the potential failure, showcasing the moral complexities of their situation.

As the chapter closes, Sydney's relief at Shane's departure is palpable, as she grapples with the weight of her responsibilities and the precarious nature of their project. The tension leaves readers anticipating the consequences of the decisions made in the lab, as Sydney fights to maintain her integrity amidst the chaos. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 374** **Chapter 374** +25 BONUS Caleb's voice carried a subtle note of exasperation as he looked at Sydney, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Can't you even accept a cake that a friend brought over? Is it really that hard?" Sydney, feeling the weight of his words, sighed but ultimately relented, gripping the glass bottle tightly in one hand while she retrieved the paper bag with the other. "Fine," she conceded, a reluctant smile creeping onto her lips. "Then I'll thank you on Tiffany's behalf too. She might appreciate it more than I do." Once Caleb departed, Tiffany sauntered over, her curious gaze sweeping over the items Sydney held. "Tsk, tsk. Let me just say this," Tiffany began, her tone teasing yet insightful.

click, Sydney shut the door behind

the sight of the delectable treats. "Oh, look at this! Cakes, tiramisu, and mille-feuille. Well, if we're going to be 'ordinary friends,' I suppose I can allow it-just for now, of course." Sydney couldn't help but laugh at her friend's reaction. Just as she was about to reply, Tiffany thrust a generous slice of strawberry cake into

savored a slice of strawberry cake, and he had reluctantly taken a few bites. From that moment onward, Sydney had always chosen strawberry

the oversight of the clinical trials. The threats from Adeline that had echoed outside her home still reverberated in her mind, leaving her in a constant state of unease. She couldn't allow years of hard work to crumble at this critical juncture. Settling beside the complex machines, Sydney focused intently on the data processing

that she had no inkling of the fact that he had manipulated the data prior to its submission. As he settled into a chair beside her, he attempted to sound casual. "Ms.

excitement that surged within him. "But there aren't any obvious side effects, right?" he pressed, trying to maintain a façade of concern. "Not yet," she replied, her frown deepening. "But the efficacy is disappointingly low." A fleeting shadow of disappointment crossed Shane's features before he quickly masked it with a practiced smile. "Then why continue pushing the trial? Shouldn't we consider redeveloping the drug?" Feigning resignation, Sydney replied, "The drug's

through to the end. Otherwise, how am I supposed to explain this to Mr. Sterling? He won't take kindly to setbacks." Just then, Marcus entered the lab, his demeanor calm and composed. "Shane, Mr. Linus is asking for you," he said, his voice steady. "Alright," Shane said, rising quickly from his chair, but then he hesitated, glancing back at Sydney. "What about the data? What