Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Sydney grapples with the looming threats from her past, particularly focusing on Penelope and Tristan. She recognizes Penelope's limitations but feels a sense of pity for her. The memories of Tristan, however, bring a chill to her spine, suggesting that their rivalry is deeply personal and could lead to significant consequences for her and Sterling Corp.

As the chapter unfolds, Sydney finds herself in a vulnerable state, physically and emotionally. Julian, a figure in her life, approaches her with genuine concern, asking if she's cold. His unexpected tenderness catches her off guard, revealing a softer side of their relationship. Despite her initial preparations to defend herself against potential confrontations, Julian's simple act of offering her slippers shifts the dynamic between them, highlighting his attentiveness and care.

Their conversation hints at deeper issues, particularly surrounding Sydney's pregnancy and the stress from recent news regarding the company's drug. Julian attempts to lighten the mood with humor, but Sydney can't shake her worries about the implications of the drug's safety. Their banter reveals a complex interplay of emotions, with Julian's teasing and Sydney's defensiveness showcasing their evolving relationship amidst external pressures.

As they discuss the pregnancy, Sydney feels a mix of pride and anxiety, realizing that her child may share traits with Julian rather than her ex-partner, Caleb. This realization deepens her understanding of Julian, who she perceives as more than just a distant figure; he embodies a caring nature beneath his guarded exterior. The chapter concludes with Sydney seeking clarity from Julian, indicating her desire for a deeper connection as they navigate the uncertainties ahead.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 434** **Chapter 434** **+25 Bonus** In a world filled with shadows and whispers, Sydney found herself acutely aware of the few individuals who might dare to target her with such fervor. It was a short list, and she could almost recite their names in her sleep. First on that list was Penelope.

Sydney knew Penelope well enough to understand that while she possessed a sharp mind and a fierce determination, she lacked the necessary resources and influence to sway public opinion on a grand scale. Penelope was a small fish in a vast ocean, and Sydney felt a twinge of pity for her. Then there was Tristan. Memories of the past flooded Sydney's mind as she thought of him. Years ago, DK Pharma had constructed its international reputation on a foundation of hype and controversy, skillfully navigating the treacherous waters of media manipulation.

were experts at wielding public sentiment like a weapon, creating storms that could engulf anyone in their path. If Tristan truly had ties to Flint, this would be far more than a mere business rivalry. It was personal. A chill ran down her spine at the thought. He was coming for her, and Sterling Corp. would be nothing more than collateral damage in his quest. Before Julian stood a woman who appeared as though she had just emerged from the depths of sleep. Her dark, silky

on her bare feet, and his brows knitted together in concern. "Aren't you cold?" he asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and worry. "Huh?" Sydney had steeled herself

slippers resting by the bed, and placed them gently by her feet. "Cold starts from the feet," he stated matter-of-factly. "Put them on." It took her a moment to process his words. As a child, she had adored cold drinks,

her against too much ice cream and insisting she keep her feet warm. She had brushed off his advice, convinced that she knew better. But Julian, unlike Alan, had an uncanny ability to remember the smallest details. He had established rules for her: no cold drinks in winter, limited ones in summer, and absolutely no walking barefoot on tile floors. For a fleeting moment, Sydney's

pregnant, not on my period." With no one around to chastise her, she had long abandoned her cautiousness. If cramps ever did strike, she would simply resort to acupuncture or a herbal decoction. Problem solved, or so she thought. Julian observed her closely, sensing that she was still processing the weight of their conversation. His voice softened, a hint of concern threading through his

to apologize for her earlier flippancy when he interjected. "Don't take it too seriously," he reassured her. "Legal and PR are already handling it." His words made her pause, and a flicker of doubt crossed her mind. "You're not

disbelief etched on her face. "Pregnant women don't go to jail. You can enjoy that cell all by yourself." "At least I'm not stupid," Julian countered, his gaze drifting toward her growing belly. A complex emotion flickered across his features, and he asked, "Are you tired?" "What?" she replied, taken

been surprisingly well-behaved. After the initial waves of nausea subsided,

words crashing over her like a sudden wave. That wasn't true. The child wasn't like Caleb at all; the child was like him. People often said Julian had been cold and distant since childhood, but Sydney knew better. That aloofness was merely a facade, a protective shell. Beneath it, he had always