What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 111

Kaia took a sip of her tea and said nothing.

That night, after checking into the hotel and taking a shower, Kaia sat down to review her notes for the next day's negotiations.

Silas had also showered, changed into casual clothes, and gone out for drinks with a few of the executives. When he came back upstairs, he was carrying a bag of artisanal desserts.

He walked down the hall and knocked on Kaia's door.

Kaia, wearing a modest pajama set, opened the door. Her freshly washed hair fell softly over her shoulders, her skin radiant, and her eyes clear. The stark contrast to her usual sharp, professional armor made her look incredibly soft and inviting.

To Silas, only one phrase came to mind: absolutely captivating.

"Brought you some late-night snacks," Silas said, smiling warmly, staying politely outside the doorway.

"Thank you." Kaia reached out and took the bag.

"Get some sleep soon," Silas added, his voice dropping into a softer, concerned register. "Don't stay up too late. I've got a solid handle on tomorrow's meeting."

Kaia nodded. "I will. Goodnight."

She closed the door, carrying the bag to the small table.

She hadn't eaten much at the welcome dinner and was actually quite hungry. She opened the packaging to find several exquisite pastries, a small jar of lavender-infused honey, and a light chamomile blend.

As she took a bite of a pastry and flipped through her notes, her phone buzzed with an incoming video call.

It was Finnian.

Kaia answered without hesitation. The screen lit up with Brynlee's chubby, rosy face. She looked like she had just been bathed and was tucked into bed. The phone was propped against a pillow, and she was resting her little face in her hands.

"Mommy, what are you doing? Are you eating something yummy?" Brynlee giggled.

Kaia held the phone up to show her the spread. "I didn't eat enough at dinner, so I'm having a little snack."

Brynlee eyed the beautiful desserts, practically drooling. "That looks so good! I want some!"

Kaia smiled. "If you want some, ask Layla to make you a treat tomorrow. She makes the best desserts."

"No, I want exactly what you have!" Brynlee pouted, crossing her little arms over her chest and throwing a mild tantrum.

Just then, a man in a gray bathrobe shifted into the frame. Finnian was lying on the bed next to Brynlee. His his eyes narrowed as he studied the screen, taking in Kaia's relaxed state and the food in front of her.

He recognized the elaborate packaging immediately. It was a famous artisanal dessert brand from a northern city. He knew it because Noelle was obsessed with them, and he used to buy them for her.

Finnian offered a tight, polite smile. "I thought you said you didn't like eating heavy sweets at night."

Kaia knew he was addressing her. She replied coolly, "People change. Things you used to like, you don't care for anymore. And things you never cared for suddenly become your favorite."

Finnian laughed at his daughter's logic, his voice dripping with affection. "Mommy is away on business. Besides, I trust your mother. There's no reason to be jealous or mad."

"But why? What if Mommy meets a guy who's even nicer than you, and she doesn't want you anymore? Aren't you going to be mad then?" Brynlee's little brain was developing fast, and her questions were becoming dangerously sharp.

Finnian had assumed it was just innocent childish rambling, but suddenly, a sharp, bitter ache flared in his chest.

Kaia was equally stunned. Where on earth had the kid learned to ask something so loaded? Did someone teach her that, or was she coming up with this on her own?

Before Kaia could process the shock, the doorbell to her hotel room chimed.

Kaia immediately looked at Brynlee through the screen. "Sweetie, I have to go. Something came up."

"Mommy, it's so late! Are you still working?" Brynlee asked, instantly concerned.

Kaia nodded. "Yeah, there's a lot to get done on this trip. I'm hanging up now."

The video feed cut out.

Finnian's expression hardened, his gaze turning cold and unreadable. He glanced at the time on his phone.

It was 10:30 PM. Who the hell was looking for her at this hour?