What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 212

Noelle felt the wind knocked out of her sails. Her cheeks burned as she mumbled, "I understand, Finnian. I didn't mean anything by it, I just..."

"I'm going to take Brynlee home now." Finnian might have claimed he wasn't going to overthink it, but his brisk actions told an entirely different story.

Finnian buckled Brynlee into her car seat. Boredom quickly gave way to missing her mother. The little girl held out her hand. "Daddy, can I borrow your phone? I want to call Mom and tell her I miss her."

Finnian swiftly unlocked the screen and handed it over. "Ask her what time she's coming home."

Brynlee immediately dialed Kaia's number, and Kaia picked up on the second ring.

Since the phone was on speaker, the background chatter from Kaia's end bled clearly into the car. Finnian's lips pressed into a tight, thin line. It was already nine-thirty. Was she *still* at that restaurant?

"Hey, sweetie!" Kaia's voice was soft and affectionate.

"Mommy, Daddy wants me to ask you when you're coming home!" Brynlee announced in her sweet, childish voice, her big dark eyes darting over to Finnian.

Finnian: "..."

He hadn't wanted to sound like he was rushing her. Why did his own daughter have to rat him out like that?

Kaia's response floated through the speaker. "We're just finishing up now. I'll be heading back soon."

"Okay! Be safe on your way back. Did you have any wine?" Brynlee asked.

"A little bit, yes. I'm going to catch a ride back with Uncle Silas in a few minutes," Kaia replied honestly.

"Alright! I'll be waiting for you at home. Bye!"

Brynlee hung up and passed the phone back to Finnian. "Mom's done eating."

Finnian gave a distracted grunt of acknowledgment and shoved the phone back into his pocket.

By ten-thirty, both Finnian and Brynlee had showered and changed. Brynlee had a habit of waiting by the door for her mother whenever she was out late.

At the moment, Finnian was standing with her on the front porch. While Brynlee entertained herself by waving a small flashlight around, Finnian leaned against a pillar and lit a cigarette.

A pair of headlights cut through the darkness, sweeping into the driveway of the Sanders estate. The car curved around the garden path and finally pulled up to the front door.

Silas stepped out of the backseat. Spotting Finnian, he flashed an easy grin, his face still carrying a slight, rosy flush from the alcohol. "Finnian! I went to hear Kaia's lecture today. It was absolutely brilliant."

Finnian stared at him for a solid three seconds before giving a stiff nod. "Yes. She's always been exceptional."

Silas continued, oblivious, still grinning. "She's like a hidden treasure. Always full of surprises. Getting her to head things up at the clinic was the best move I ever made."

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