What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 173

Noelle never slacked on her appearance. Today was no exception; her makeup was flawless, and she looked vibrant and professional.

"Can I help you, Ms. Lawrence?" Kaia's tone was polite but entirely distant.

Noelle acted as if she didn't notice the cold shoulder. She walked over, holding her folders against her chest, exuding a humble demeanor.

"I was just discussing some work matters with Silas, so I thought I'd drop by and say hello," Noelle said with a warm smile.

"I don't have anything to say to you," Kaia replied, making it clear she wanted her gone.

Noelle suddenly changed the subject. "I want to explain what happened last night."

Kaia's hand paused as she stirred her coffee, but she took a sip, keeping her face completely neutral.

Noelle watched Kaia's reaction before speaking with a tone full of sincerity and guilt. "You were listening when Brynlee called Finnian last night, right? Ugh, it was just my terrible luck. I was hosting a dinner, and some incredibly inappropriate guy used the excuse of 'admiring' me to try and make a move. I was absolutely terrified. If Finnian... if Finnian hadn't shown up just in time and beaten him up for me, I don't know what would have happened."

Kaia listened to the story with icy indifference, a cold sneer playing on her lips.

This was the first time she was hearing that the gentle, refined Finnian was capable of beating someone up.

Noelle lowered her eyelashes, looking pleading. "Kaia, if you're going to blame anyone, blame me. Please don't misunderstand Finnian. If it made you uncomfortable, I sincerely apologize. But last night was a real emergency. That's why I needed Finnian to stay with me for the night. I'm so sorry for causing you trouble."

Kaia took another sip of coffee. "Are you done? You can leave now."

"Kaia, please don't be like this. We used to be so close; everyone knows that. Don't look at me like I'm the enemy. I promise I'll be more careful from now on to make sure this never happens again. Please don't blame Finnian, and please don't hate me, okay?"

Kaia watched her put on her little performance, noticing the employees nearby discreetly trying to eavesdrop.

She stared right into Noelle's eyes and said flatly, "You're both adults. You should be able to take responsibility for your own actions. Since it happened, you deal with the consequences. You don't come running to my office to put on a show."

Noelle's face stiffened, and a flush of embarrassment crept up her neck.

"I don't have the time or energy to care about this kind of nonsense." Kaia turned to push her office door open.

"Kaia..." Noelle tried to say something else.

Kaia's voice was pure ice. "If you don't have anything work-related to discuss, please leave."

Noelle stood there, looking incredibly hurt and disappointed. She glanced around at the people who had clearly been listening, kept her face carefully neutral, and turned to leave.

Kaia had no idea that her brief exchange with Noelle outside her office would quickly mutate into several different versions of a rumor.

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