What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 217

When she had visited a few days ago, she could drive straight through. Who had revoked her access?

Noelle pulled out her phone and dialed Finnian's number. "Finnian, my car can't get through your front gate. Could you fix the settings for me?"

Finnian stood up, glancing toward the front of the property. "You're here early."

"I know," Noelle said. "My tennis coach canceled at the last minute, so I figured I'd come over and see if you wanted to rally for a bit. Aethelstan Biopharma is having a corporate retreat in May, and it's been ages since I played. I want to get my swing back."

Finnian walked over to the security panel, tapped a few buttons, and the massive iron gates swung open.

Noelle's white Bentley cruised past the landscaped gardens and the water feature, pulling up right outside the main doors.

She stepped out of the car wearing a crisp white tennis skirt, her hair pulled back into a high ponytail. It showed off her slender neck and gave her a vibrant, athletic look.

"You don't mind that I invited myself over, do you?" Noelle walked into the living room, flashing a radiant smile. "That coffee smells amazing. I'd love a cup too. Layla, could you brew one for me? Thank you."

Layla's expression tightened slightly when she saw Noelle. Still, considering Noelle was the eldest daughter-in-law of the Sanders family, Layla kept her personal disdain in check and went to make the coffee.

As she handed the mug to Noelle, the distinct scent of cherry blossom perfume wafted over her.

It was the exact same scent she had smelled on Mr. Sanders's shirts the past few times. A heavy, uncomfortable feeling settled in Layla's chest.

If Mrs. Sanders found out about this, it would absolutely destroy her.

"Thank you, Layla," Noelle said, perfectly polite.

Finnian set his coffee mug down, leaning his hands flat against the table as he looked at her. "What made you want to play tennis all of a sudden?"

Noelle took a sip of her coffee and sighed. "Well, I've been getting sick lately, and the doctor told me I need to be more active. I used to love playing with Seraphina, but... given her situation, and with her living abroad, I was hoping you could play a few sets with me."

Finnian suddenly remembered. Back in the day, Noelle's closest friend had been Seraphina Sanders, Silas's biological sister. Unfortunately, when Seraphina turned twenty-three, she suffered a severe mental health crisis. Her depression had become debilitating, leading to erratic, unsettling behavior. She was eventually diagnosed with a psychotic break, spent time in treatment, and was later moved overseas.

"Alright. Since Kaia and Brynlee aren't home anyway, I'll play a few rounds with you."

Finnian nodded. The two of them grabbed their rackets and headed out to the private tennis court on the estate.

As Layla cleared the table, she watched the two attractive figures walking together in the sunlight. Her heart sank.

She had worked for the Sanders family for over a decade. She had watched the children grow up.

She had always assumed Finnian and Noelle strictly had a sibling-like bond. But her recent discoveries had completely blurred those lines. Were the boss and Noelle... really just family?

Standing on the court, Finnian bounced the ball against his racket. "Let's go."

Before they even started, Noelle was already pleading for mercy. "I haven't played in forever, so you have to take it easy on me. Don't run me into the ground."

Finnian chuckled. "It's just a casual rally. We don't have to keep score."

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