What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 187

Kaia sat back in her chair, looked up at Silas, and replied evenly, "Just some workplace gossip. I wouldn't call it a fight. It's already been handled."

Silas noticed the weary shadow in her eyes and let out a soft chuckle.

"Kaia, there's no one else here. You can drop the PR speak with me. What did Finnian say to you?" Silas asked, his tone surprisingly serious.

Kaia's fingers curled slightly against the surface of her desk.

Silas took a step closer. "I know how your assistant operates. She's great at her job, but she's a straight shooter, and fiercely loyal to you. She only lost her temper today because they pushed her into a corner."

Kaia didn't argue. He was right.

"I know Laura handled it badly and gave them ammunition. I've already talked to her. She understands she can't let personal emotions dictate her behavior at work. It won't happen again," Kaia said, looking up at him. "I'm sorry. Did this cause a headache for corporate?"

"Not at all." Silas seemed surprised she was apologizing to him. His gaze deepened. "My cousin has always prioritized the 'big picture'—especially when a certain someone is involved. He gets tunnel vision. I just don't want to see you get hurt."

Kaia's carefully maintained composure rippled slightly at his words.

Silas studied her stoic expression and sighed. "Even the people working for you couldn't take it anymore, so why do you keep swallowing it? You don't get a medal for being a human doormat."

"Silas." Kaia looked him dead in the eye. "Let's not mix corporate issues with my private life."

"Kaia, silence and compromise don't always bring peace. When it's time to play hardball, you have to play hardball. You're a brilliant woman. I just want to make sure you know how to protect yourself." Silas frowned slightly, the usual playful glint in his eyes completely replaced by genuine concern.

Faced with advice that clearly crossed the boundary of a typical boss-employee relationship, Kaia actually took it to heart.

"Thank you for checking on me, and for the advice."

After a long pause, she added softly, "Some ties can't be severed overnight. But I know exactly what I'm doing."

Silas watched her, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes before he smoothly reverted to his usual demeanor. "Alright. As long as you've got a plan. Any plans for tonight? I just got back; want to grab dinner? I can walk you through the latest project updates."

"I'm actually heading to my parents' house for dinner tonight," Kaia said. "Let's touch base tomorrow."

Silas nodded. "Sounds good. Talk tomorrow."

With that, he turned and walked out of the office.

Silence returned to the room. The golden light of the setting sun spilled across the floor. Kaia sat motionless in her chair for a long time before finally packing up and driving to her parents' house.

As evening fell, Noelle ended up at the hospital with a fever. The doctor noted she was slightly anemic and, since she was complaining of chest tightness, admitted her for overnight observation.

Wendy had brought her in and quickly got her settled into a private VIP suite.

"Mrs. Sanders..." Wendy hurried over.

"She's in Room 6 on the 19th floor."

"How did she suddenly get so sick? She actually had to be admitted?" Elaine demanded, her voice sharp with panic and anger.

Wendy quickly ducked her head, too scared to answer.

"Wendy, you've been with Noelle for years. If you notice she's unwell, it's your job to make her rest. Work is important, but her health comes first."

Wendy nodded furiously. "Yes, Mrs. Sanders. It's my fault. She's been so slammed lately, and I noticed she didn't eat lunch. I had no idea she would... Honestly, it's all Dr. Chavez's and her nasty assistant's fault. If they hadn't humiliated her..."

"What are you talking about?" Elaine's face hardened instantly. "What happened now?"

Wendy panicked, slapping a hand over her mouth. "Mrs. Sanders, I have to bring this food up to Ms. Lawrence. You should just go on up."

"Wendy, do not play games with me." Elaine was way too sharp for that. "Who did this to Noelle?"

Trembling, Wendy realized she couldn't hide it. Playing the victim, she gave a heavily biased recount of the screaming match in the Aethelstan lobby, conveniently leaving out several key details.