What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 226

Finnian then explained to her, "I was invited by a friend to attend his company's celebration banquet."

"Can I tag along? I'd love to network with some overseas contacts and broaden my horizons." Noelle immediately put on a hopeful expression. The reason she gave was strictly professional, making it impossible to refuse.

Elaine stood up and walked over. "Take Noelle with you. She's young, she should be out mingling at lively events."

Finnian paused, then smiled. "I thought you two were planning to go shopping, so I didn't make arrangements for that."

"I'm not in the mood for shopping anymore. Take Noelle out to have some fun." Elaine's original plan had been to take Noelle and Brynlee out for an evening of shopping and sightseeing.

Now that Brynlee had been taken away by Kaia, Elaine had completely lost the mood for it.

"Alright! Change into something appropriate, I'll wait for you in the car." Finnian didn't refuse.

Filled with joy, Noelle headed straight upstairs to change into an evening gown. Shortly after, she came back down wearing an incredibly elegant beige off-the-shoulder dress.

"Let's go, Finnian!" Noelle slid gracefully into the back seat of the Rolls-Royce.

Dexter sat in the passenger seat. The convoy of six bodyguard vehicles drove out of the villa's gates.

During the ride, Noelle didn't bring up any personal matters, let alone mention Kaia taking Brynlee away. Instead, she laid out some work-related issues regarding Aethelstan and asked Finnian for his advice.

Finnian offered his professional insights, and Noelle listened with utmost attention.

On the way, Noelle learned the identity of the business tycoon hosting the celebration dinner—it was a well-known figure from back home.

At the exact same time, Kaia and Warren arrived at a hotel and received a phone call.

It was from several old professors who used to work with Warren. Hearing that he was abroad, they wanted to get together for dinner and catch up.

Warren had been meaning to introduce his daughter to these professors for a while. Seeing this as the perfect opportunity, he asked Kaia if she was interested in joining them.

Kaia looked at her mother. Jane, seeing that Brynlee was already asleep, said, "You two go. I'll stay here at the hotel and watch Brynlee. Just don't come back too late."

Looking at her daughter sleeping soundly, Kaia figured she wouldn't wake up anytime soon, so she agreed to head out with her father.

The father and daughter took a taxi to the designated hotel. Inside, massive crystal chandeliers sparkled like stars.

The oil paintings lining the hallway walls leaned heavily toward the abstract.

Kaia and her father stepped out of the car, chatting as they made their way toward their reserved private room.

Finnian's gaze hardened as he looked at Kaia.

Noelle strolled over with a smile, perfectly catching the end of that sentence.

She offered a greeting. "Mr. Chavez, Kaia. What a coincidence running into you here again."

Neither Kaia nor Warren showed any intention of acknowledging her.

Noelle feigned complete indifference and turned to Finnian. "Finnian, we should head up."

Prompted by her, Finnian checked the time on his watch. They were indeed running late.

"Dad, I'll head up first. We'll be in touch later," Finnian said, turning toward an open elevator.

Warren immediately led Kaia into the same car. Finnian ended up standing right beside Kaia. At this point, the feeling in Kaia's chest could no longer be described as mere disappointment.

Someone carrying a massive cake stepped into the elevator, forcing everyone to shuffle and make room. As Kaia was about to step back, she felt a large hand wrap around her waist. A second later, she was pulled forcefully against Finnian's chest, as he stepped back twice to make space.

Noelle was standing right behind them. Seeing this scene unfold, she felt her blood run cold, her eyes locked in a death stare on Finnian's arm.