What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 159

Noelle turned deathly pale, looking utterly panicked. "Grandma, I've never told anyone I was looking to date. I have no idea why people keep sending these ridiculous things."

Elaine quickly chimed in to defend her. "Mom, you can't blame Noelle for this. Blame those men with ulterior motives."

Josephine glanced at Noelle. She was undeniably beautiful and possessed a certain captivating charm.

"Regardless, you need to be more careful. The Sanders family is constantly in the spotlight, and you're the GM of Aethelstan. People are always watching, and your behavior reflects on this family."

Noelle caught the underlying warning: Josephine suspected she was leading these men on to get such lavish gifts.

"Finnian, you're her older brother now. What do you think?" Josephine shifted her gaze to the silent Finnian.

Finnian neatly pushed the vegetables into Brynlee's bowl before slowly looking up. "Grandma is right. Noelle, you're a Sanders now. Watch your behavior. Limit your interactions with men who have ulterior motives, unless it's strictly for business."

Hearing Finnian's response, Noelle instantly adopted the picture-perfect image of a dutiful daughter. "Grandma is right to scold me, and thank you, Finnian, for the reminder. I will be much more careful from now on."

Josephine gave a small grunt of approval, seemingly satisfied.

Elaine breathed a sigh of relief, though her eyes darted nervously between Finnian and Noelle.

Kaia remained silent the entire time, keeping her head down and eating her meal.

She didn't know if she was just being cynical, but it felt like everyone at the table was wearing a mask, reciting rehearsed lines just to keep the peace.

She had never noticed it before. It was only after Rafael died that Kaia suddenly felt like an audience member who had stumbled backstage, seen the ugly truth of the play, and now couldn't find the exit.

After dinner, Kaia left early with Brynlee. Finnian stayed behind, and Kaia didn't ask or care why.

Noelle also stayed at the estate.

Finnian had been cornered by Elaine for a private chat. When he emerged, he was thoroughly annoyed.

Walking past the small lounge area outside the study, he stopped.

It was a quiet spot he used to hide in as a kid. The only light came from a single corner lamp. Leaning against the wall, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes but realized he didn't have a lighter. He just rolled the cigarette between his fingers. His mother had just given him an earful of family gossip and, predictably, hounded him about having a second child.

Finnian stared out into the dark night, lost in thought.

Suddenly, soft footsteps sounded behind him.

The faint, sweet scent of cherry blossoms drifted on the air.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify