What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 308

Noelle's jaw tightened. She was sick of hearing the word 'specialized.'

"A specialized consultant? Do you have anyone in mind?" Since taking over Aethelstan, Noelle had focused entirely on high-level corporate strategy, leaving the technical R&D strictly to Gordon.

Gordon hesitated, eventually dropping his gaze to the table.

A project manager took a deep breath and cautiously offered, "Maybe we should ask Dr. Chavez to take a look? She has extensive research experience in this specific field..."

The entire room fell dead silent.

Kaia's name was practically a taboo in Aethelstan's R&D meetings.

Noelle leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms, her blood boiling. Everyone in the company knew she and Kaia were sworn enemies. Suggesting they crawl to Kaia for help was a direct slap in the face.

Though Noelle wanted to scream, she had to maintain her composure as the leader. Through gritted teeth, she said, "I will find a solution. We have plenty of other experts available besides her. Meeting adjourned."

Over the next few days, Noelle brought in half a dozen high-profile researchers, but none could crack the code. A massive headache set in as the project deadline loomed closer.

Late one evening, desperate, Noelle called Finnian.

"Noelle, what is it?" His voice was deep, laced with exhaustion.

"Finnian, have you not been sleeping? You sound terrible," Noelle said softly.

"I'm fine. What's wrong?"

Noelle hesitated before admitting defeat. "It's the Cytogene partnership. We've hit a massive technical roadblock. My team has been stuck on it for two months."

Finnian remained quiet, waiting for her to finish.

"I wouldn't bother you with this if I had any other choice, but the deadline is right on top of us. If we fail this first phase, Cytogene will pull out. I need you to ask Kaia to help."

Silence stretched across the line. Finally, Finnian asked, "Is there no one else?"

Noelle let out a bitter laugh. "I've tried everyone. No one can find the flaw."

Since then, their interactions had been strictly limited to co-parenting theatrics for Brynlee. Kaia was becoming such a skilled actress that Finnian could barely see the cracks in her facade.

He checked the time. She would still be at the office.

For the sake of the conglomerate and Aethelstan's future, Finnian took a deep breath and stood up. If she wouldn't text back, he would go to her.

Veridian Future.

The subsidiary was swamped with new projects, and the atmosphere was tense. Kaia was at the center of it all, jumping from lab to meeting room without a moment's rest. But she thrived under the pressure, managing the chaos with practiced ease.

Finnian parked outside the Veridian building and took the elevator up, unannounced.

The receptionist's eyes lit up when she saw him. "Mr. Sanders! What brings you here?" she asked, offering a flirtatious smile.

"Looking for my wife," Finnian replied flatly, instantly freezing her advances.