What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 133

The massive round table was gradually covered with an array of exquisite, high-end dishes.

The air grew thick with the scent of fine wine and rich cigar smoke.

Noelle could hold her liquor well, but at this point, her glass had been emptied three times and immediately refilled.

Sitting across from her, Mr. Wagner pinched a cigar between his fingers, loudly pontificating about the cutthroat world of business.

The other men chimed in, clearly playing along to flatter him.

"Ms. Lawrence, you are truly a remarkable woman," Mr. Wagner said, his eyes lingering on her neck and wrists. He smiled slyly. "It's such a shame Mr. Sanders passed away so young. I remember meeting you two years ago when you were standing right by his side. We crossed paths a few times."

The smile on Noelle's face stiffened. The sudden mention of Rafael did dampen her mood, but she forced a bright smile. "You're too kind, Mr. Wagner. Pearl is my mother, and the Shaw Materials Factory has always prided itself on its sterling reputation. I hope all of you bosses here tonight will keep us in mind. As for the pricing, we are very flexible."

After saying her piece, Noelle downed the rest of the wine in her glass.

"You're too modest, Ms. Lawrence. Of course we'll look out for you." Mr. Wagner suddenly grabbed his wine glass, stood up, and walked around the edge of the table. He stopped right next to Noelle and placed a heavy hand on her arm. "But you know, business is all about connection. And I have to say, I rarely meet a woman as brilliant and beautiful as you. I heard you used to be quite the dancer—ballet, folk dance, you name it. I wonder if we might have the privilege of seeing you grace us with a performance tonight?"

Noelle had a high tolerance for alcohol, but after downing so many glasses, she was struggling to keep her composure. Her stomach was churning.

The other men looked at Noelle with expectant, appreciative gazes, heavily laced with the dark, predatory intentions of men in power.

Standing nearby, Wendy Vance watched these men with disgust, her heart aching for Noelle.

Back when she was safely enveloped in the Sanders family as the eldest daughter-in-law, she was treated with the utmost respect wherever she went.

With the eldest son of the Sanders family fiercely protecting her, even the most greedy, lecherous men wouldn't dare take a second glance at her.

Now, having lost the husband who spoiled her, she was being openly harassed by these repulsive pigs.

Wendy immediately stepped forward. "Ms. Lawrence, I studied dance too. Why don't I—"

Noelle quickly held up a hand to stop her and forced a laugh. "I hosted this dinner tonight to make sure you gentlemen have a good time. Wendy, why don't you show them the contracts first?"

Wendy immediately pulled out the documents. The men exchanged knowing glances and eagerly took the paperwork.

Noelle's gaze swept over their faces, her smile never faltering. "Then I'll gladly embarrass myself, provided you gentlemen are willing to give us a chance."

These men knew they couldn't force Noelle into anything extreme, but if they could get the female CEO of Aethelstan to dance for them at a dinner table, the night would be more than worth it.

Mr. Wagner's eyes remained fixated on her face, plotting his next move.

Suddenly, the heavy doors of the private room were pushed open without warning.

A waiter hurried in from outside, looking panicked.

Finnian's imposing figure appeared in the doorway. He was wearing a sharp, dark suit and tie, clearly having just come from a formal event of his own.

Under the dim lights, his face looked extraordinarily cold and ruthless.

"Finnian..." Noelle called out, a mix of shock and panic in her voice.

Finnian's sharp gaze swept across the table, immediately landing on Mr. Wagner's fat stomach, which was barely an inch away from pressing against Noelle.

The four executives clearly hadn't expected the CEO of the Sanders Conglomerate to show up. Astonishment, embarrassment, and sheer panic flashed across their faces.

"Mr. Sanders!" Mr. Wagner was the first to recover, laughing nervously. "We were just discussing business with Ms. Lawrence. Care to join us for a drink?"

Finnian walked straight in. His strides were heavy and measured, radiating an aura of absolute, untouchable dominance.