What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 12

"The review work for Project Stargazer Phase III must be demanding. I heard you joined the committee. That must be tough. I hope the review yields good results."

"It's just part of my job."

After her brief reply, Kaia turned and walked toward the conference room.

Before the end of the workday, Kaia received a call from Finnian. "I've picked up Brynlee, and we're on our way to the estate. Grandmother wants the whole family to have dinner together. You should come over too."

Kaia had wanted to refuse, but since her daughter was there, she had no choice but to agree.

Night fell, and a light rain intensified the damp chill of autumn.

Kaia, wearing a beige coat, stepped into the living room of the estate.

The crystal chandelier illuminated the grand and stately room. The recent death in the family cast a heavy, oppressive atmosphere over the space.

Kaia had arrived late. The long dining table was already laden with an elaborate dinner.

Josephine sat at the head of the table, her presence commanding the room. Finnian took his place at her right, with Brynlee on his lap. Elaine Sanders, his mother, was also present, along with a few uncles and aunts from other branches of the family.

Brynlee sat on her father's lap, taking small bites of the meal specially prepared for her, her big, dark eyes looking around at everyone with curiosity.

Noelle was not at the family dinner tonight.

Her absence seemed to be a silent declaration of something.

They ate and chatted, discussing some business matters and then the weather.

Josephine put down her spoon, dabbed her mouth with a napkin, and spoke. "I've already had someone arrange for Noelle's travel abroad. Next Friday, I'll have the butler send someone to take her to the airport. Everything has been taken care of on the other end..."

The air grew tense. A few of the other elders seemed to want to speak but held their tongues.

Suddenly, Brynlee jumped down from her father's lap and ran to Kaia's side, pouting. "Mommy, I want some meat."

Kaia put a piece of fish on her plate, carefully picking out the bones before placing it in her small plate.

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